THREE Chelsea pensioners will be heading to Nottingham to join in with the celebrations for Armed Forces Day.
The trio have been invited by the Nottingham Royal Artillery Association and will march through the city as people honour the nation's troops.
Chelsea pensioners is the name given to those staying at a retirement home for former soldiers in South London.
Dave Thomas, the secretary of the local branch of the Royal Artillery Association, said he was pleased to see the pensioners come up.
The Bestwood Village resident added: "We met up with a group of Chelsea pensioners at an event called Gunner Sunday in London in May and said it would be great if they could be part of our Armed Forces Day event here.
"It will be great to have them here – we're planning on holding a social event on the Friday at the Territorial Army Centre in Bulwell and then have them march with us on the Saturday both in the city and out at the embankment.
"It's important people show their appreciation for the Armed Forces and I have a lot of respect for the Chelsea pensioners and what they've put in for the country."
Mr Thomas, who served for 24 years in the Fifth Royal Artillery and 32 Regiment Royal Artillery, added that he was hoping for a big turnout on the day.
He added: "It's been a big event elsewhere so I hope people here come out and celebrate."
Mr Thomas said he will also enjoy the social side.
"They say you should never try and drink a Chelsea pensioner under the table, so we'll be giving that a go."
Councillor Dave Trimble, of Nottingham City Council, said: "Nottingham is incredibly honoured to have been chosen to host the 2013 national Armed Forces Day celebrations.
"I encourage everyone in Nottingham to come down to Victoria Embankment on Saturday June 29, to enjoy a whole day of spectacular displays, activities and celebrations."
Meanwhile tickets are still available for the Armed Forces Day football match when a Combined Services team (Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force) will play against a Nottingham All Stars team on Thursday, June 27 in Hucknall Town ground in Watnall Road.
Tickets for the game are on sale now for £5 from Hucknall Town Football Club and the ticket offices at Nottingham Forest and Notts County clubs and the Council House in Market Square.
Lt Col (Ret'd) Mick Cotton, the Tri-Services team chairman, said: "Football is the most widely enjoyed game in the military. It is the 'servicemen's sport'. The whole team is looking forward to playing against some of Nottingham's well known sporting heroes."
