The borough will be the first in London to host an Armed Forces Week to support service men and women.

Croydon Council experts are coming together to launch a series of events and give assistance to service personnel, reservists, veterans and cadet groups.

Serving and retired members of the military will be able to find out what help is available to them and share their expertise.

Events will begin on June 25 with a flag raising ceremony to recognise and remember sacrifices faced by the military community.

On Tuesday a seminar is taking place for those working in health and social care to find out about long-term needs of service personnel.

A talk will be given by Lieutenant Colonel Mike Smith, regimental casualty officer with The Rifles, who were given freedom of Croydon in 2010.

There will also be an event giving advice on finance and money matters for retired service personnel, while ex-marine Guy Clearly will speak about the transition to employment in civilian life.

Council leader, Mike Fisher, said: ""When we pledged our commitment to the armed forces we were determined to make a difference.

"Croydon’s Armed Forces Week is the next step in strengthening local support and giving more help to servicemen and women and their families. We are proud to stand up for them and to help in any way we can."

Colonel Ian McRobbie, Representative Deputy Lieutenant and the Queen’s representative in Croydon, said: "I am very proud of Croydon's support and feel privileged to be part of the Covenant working group.

"I would like to congratulate fellow members who have shown a positive commitment to maintain and enhance relations with all military people in the borough and wish Croydon Armed Forces Week much success."

The week will coincide with the UK's Armed Forces Day on June 30, running from June 25-30.

It comes after a legal pact was formed between the council and the military to ensure extra help is given to the military with work, training, medical needs and adult social services.

Visit croydon.gov.uk for more information.