A SPECTACULAR day of celebration to honour the city's military heroes could be held in Southampton - but support is needed to make it a reality.

City councillor David Fuller wants to bring communities together to honour serving soldiers in June 2018 as part of Armed Forces Day.

The day would feature a vibrant parade and several military-themed events across the city.

Cllr Fuller, who is an Army reservist, is now calling for the support of the city council, and community, to bring the celebrations to Southampton.

He said: "I want to see Southampton put on a spectacular event which will do our military proud and show our support for the armed forces.

"We have dozens of of organisations that I have no doubt would love to be part of something.

"I think it is a real shame that are not currently doing anything considering the size of Southampton and its military facilities."

Cllr Fuller has already mapped out his ideas for the event, which would see a huge parade led through the city centre.

The parade would be supported by a band and several military events in Guildhall Square.

He also hopes the mayor would attend to speak on the day.

Cllr Fuller wants to make next year's event one of the city's biggest, adding: "I think the public would come in droves to support our military.

"I want to get local schools, clubs and military units involved to really make it a community event.

"This will be all about raising awareness of our local units, and the great work the military does."

Royston Smith, Southampton Itchen MP, echoed Cllr Fuller's calls, adding: "A celebration like this is long overdue.

"We owe our military a debt of gratitude that we simply will never be able to repay.

"The very least we can do is honour them and acknowledge them and their families for all their sacrifices on Armed Forces Day in Southampton."

Council leader Simon Letts said: "We will be agreeing a comprehensive and exciting events programme with the Business Improvement District and potential investment from the Arts Council.

"Between the three groups, we will be providing more than half a million pounds towards an events package over the next three years.

"We are happy to look at an event around Armed Forces Day to sit in that package, providing everyone is happy."

Cllr Fuller said he will put a motion forward at Southampton City Council's full meeting on May 17.