Dudley paid tribute to members of the emergency services yesterday, after raising the 999 flag on Emergency Service Day.

The national day is a chance for people to remember and thank people in the emergency services who put themselves at risk every day. The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor David Stanley said:

"The emergency services play an invaluable role in keeping all of us safe. We hope that we may never have to call on them, but we know that if we do, they will be there to help us.

"We’re glad that we can say thank you in our own small way by flying the 999 flag from the roof of the council house and I hope that people passing by reflect on the value of the emergency services and say their own private thank you.”

This is the second year that the national day has been held - it aims to promote the work of the emergency services, promote efficiency, educate the public, and promote volunteering opportunities including such roles as special constables, NHS community responders, St John Ambulance and coastguard volunteers.

Emergency Services Day is part of the National Emergency Services Memorial, a registered charity in England, Scotland and Wales, which is raising at least £3 Million to build Britain’s first national cenotaph dedicated to all UK emergency services and to give thanks to the more than 2 million people working in the services today.

You can find out more about the day at 999day.org.uk.