Shropshire could be in line for major 999 event after honouring heroes
Emergency services personnel were honoured at a special ceremony in Shrewsbury.
And the founder of 999 Day was so impressed with proceedings at St Chad's Church on Thursday, the county could be in line to host the full event in 2024 when the pandemic is over.
Usually the day brings around 5,000 people to the hosting town or city.
The Shrewsbury ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire Anna Turner, the county's High Sheriff Tony Morris-Eyton, mayors, councillors and representative from the emergency services.
On the county potentially hosting the full event in future, event founder Tom Scholes-Hogg said: "I've been quite impressed with Shropshire. It brings about 5,000 people to the area, so it can be a real boost for the economy."
In her speech, the Lord Lieutenant paid tribute to workers, but also mentioned the closure of two county ambulance stations, saying she was "deeply sorry" about it.
"I want the emergency services in our county to know our appreciation and to make sure they don't go unnoticed. Of course it doesn't go unnoticed that we've got two ambulance stations closing."
Mr Scholes-Hogg also urged the Government to help fund the event.
He said: "The armed forces day gets funding from the government, but there are ten times more people that work in the emergency services. It makes no sense."
