THE mother of Bradford paratrooper who was killed in Afghanistan has lent her support to an Armed Forces Day celebration in the city.

Private Martin Bell was killed in January 2011 by a bomb as he went to rescue a fellow soldier who had been injured by a similar explosive device in Helmand province.

He was posthumously awarded a George Medal for his selfless actions which saved the life of his comrade.

Now his mother, Elaine Bell, has backed an event in Bradford to honour Pte Bell and everyone who has served in the Armed Forces.

The 144 Army Cadet Band will lead a parade of standard bearers into City Park to begin the service on national Armed Forces Day, held on Saturday, June 27. This will be followed by a display by the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Band.

The free event, held between 11am and 4pm, features a jazz band playing a wide selection of music from the 1920s to 40s.

An authentic 1940s swing band will also be in action.

There will also be a display of military vehicles at the Centenary Square site.

Mrs Bell, who will be attending the event, said: "It's not a depressing event, it is a bit more of a celebration.

"It is really good that we have things like this going on.

"It brings it all home to everybody in a good way.

"It also celebrates people who have served in the Armed Forces throughout the decades."

Meanwhile, Keighley will unite for a family event to mark the occasion on June 21.

People can pay their respects to the armed forces, see military equipment and vehicles, find out about service people's charities, and try shooting.

This year's event will begin with a service at the cenotaph in Keighley Town Hall Square followed by a parade to the main event in Victoria Park.

A Dakota from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is expected to fly over at 3.05pm.

Stands from the Royal Naval Reserves, the Yorkshire Regiment and the 116 Provost Company will be on display at the park.

The City of Bradford Pipe Band and historians from the Men of Worth Project will also feature.

Elsewhere, an Armed Forces Day charity event will take place at The Lister Arms, Ilkley, on June 27. All funds raised will go the Royal Air Force's local cadet squadron whose band will be performing on the day.

The Wrose Bull pub in Wrose Road, Shipley, will stock two Help for Heroes wines, to raise funds for the charity ahead of Armed Forces Day.

Crown Carveries, Sizzling Pubs and O'Neill's chains have teamed up and will give £1 of every bottle sold to the cause, raising £45,000, since the scheme started in October last year.

Armed Forces members, spouses and veterans will be given ten per cent off their food bills at all three of the pub chains.