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

Businesses and communities across the borough have the chance to publicly show their support and cheer and wave flags when the mayor – joined by members of the Royal Anglian Regiment - officially launches the national Heroes Welcome scheme next Tuesday.

Heroes Welcome was originally launched in Scarborough and has been adopted by a number of towns and cities across the UK, with Yarmouth to be the latest.

The scheme allows retailers and organisations to display a 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 small discount.

On Tuesday, at 11.30am, mayor Barry Coleman will be joined by members of the Royal Anglian Regiment in the Market Place, to then hand out Heroes Welcome stickers to local businesses. And it is hoped residents will also turn out to show their support.

The Great Yarmouth section of the Heroes Welcome Website (www.heroeswelcome.co.uk) will also go live on Tuesday – outlining the businesses in the area that are supporting the initiative.

Cllr Coleman said: 'This superb idea is now gaining national momentum and we want our borough to be at the forefront of this popular scheme, which offers a continuing thank you to our country's heroes.

'As links are already forged with The Royal Anglian Regiment and HMS Dauntless; the Heroes Welcome initiative is just another way of extending our traditionally warm welcome to members of the armed forces.'

Businesses interested in joining the Heroes Welcome scheme can either head to www.heroeswelcome.co.uk or contact Laura Goodman, mayoral and civic events officer on 01493 846125.