REDDITCH residents will come together to mark Remembrance Day on Sunday, with a Chelsea Pensioner among the guests for the first time this year.

Simon de Buisseret will be joined by members of 37th Signals Regiment as they march from the Town Hall on Walter Stranz Square from 10.30am.

They will be joined by the civic party and community leaders for the wreath laying ceremony at the Town Centre War Memorial at 10.45am, followed by the Remembrance Day Service at St Stephen’s Church on Church Green.

Cllr Jenny Wheeler, Mayor of Redditch, said: “It is a great honour and privilege to have a Chelsea Pensioner at our commemoration on Remembrance Sunday.

“Redditch is always well supported by the community for this event.

“Many residents attend the parade and memorial service outside St Stephen’s Church with respect and dignity.

“This year it will be an extra special event for everyone because of our distinguished guest.

“I feel very proud to represent the town and look forward to welcoming the Chelsea Pensioner to our important commemoration as we move closer to one hundred years since the end of World War One.”

Captain Martin Smith, from the 37th Signal Regiment, is excited to hear first-hand experiences of a Chelsea Pensioner.

He said: "As soldiers ourselves, we at 37th Signal Regiment feel a real affinity with Chelsea Pensioners.

“We relish the opportunity to find out first hand more about our predecessor’s experiences and the challenges they faced.”

Cllr Bill Hartnett, leader of Redditch Borough Council, added: “I am very excited and looking forward to meet and talk with the Chelsea Pensioner.

“I am sure residents will come out in great numbers to welcome our honoured guest.

“It will, I am sure, be a great day and one we will remember for a long time.”

Deputy Lieutenant of Worcestershire Andrew Grant will also be in attendance.

He added: “Each year the attendance grows in considerable numbers which shows the continued respect for those who gave their lives in war to secure our freedom.

“I have been much humbled by the spirit of Redditch to remember those who gave their lives for us today.”