SERVING members of Britain's armed forces will get a Heroes Welcome greeting when they visit the borough of Great Yarmouth.

Described as the opportunity to give servicemen and women a 'gentle, civic hug', the scheme was launched today in the town's Market Place by mayor Cllr Barry Coleman, accompanied by representatives from the Royal Anglian Regiment.

Heroes Welcome was launched on a small scale in Scarborough two years and since then has snowballed through the UK.

The only other district in Norfolk to be associated with Heroes Welcome is Breckland, which launched its scheme in January.

The scheme encourages retailers and organisations to display a large Heroes Welcome logo which tells servicemen and women, as well as their families and veterans, how much their bravery and dedication in helping to serve the nation is appreciated – whether by way of a warm welcome or a discount.

Mr Coleman, accompanied by the mayoress Cllr Mary Coleman, told the large crowd watching the launch in the sunshine: 'This is a way in which a community are able to give our thanks to the armed forces who are working on our behalf all around the world, particularly in Afghanistan.'

Cpl Jamie Bale and Pte Adam Copperwheat represented the Anglians at the launch. Both have served in Afghanistan and Cpl Bale told the crowd: 'This is a good campaign. there are guys in Afghanistan working hard for freedom and safety, ' and he paid tribute to the support the battalion gets from Norfolk.

More than 20 businesses have already signed up foir the scheme which is sponsored by the Greater Yarmouth Tourism Authority, Yarmouth Borough Council, Yarmouth Mercury and the Town Centre Partnership.

The Great Yarmouth section of the Heroes Welcome Website (www.heroeswelcome.co.uk) went live yesaterday – outlining the businesses in the area supporting the initiative.

www.heroeswelcome.co.uk