THIS is an exceptionally busy and exciting week for Salisbury.

It is a great honour for the city to be chosen to host National Armed Forces Day and, in amongst the intensive preparations, road closures and inevitable crowds, I hope there will be plentiful opportunities to show our guests the best of what Salisbury has to offer.

I will be attending events throughout the weekend. I hope it will be both a fitting tribute to the servicemen and women who keep us safe, and a great celebration for local people and visitors alike.

Of course, Armed Forces Day is not the only treasured annual event taking place this week. I will be racing back on Thursday to spend time at the Chalke Valley History Festival, which continues to go from strength to strength, attracting a brilliant roster of speakers.

While many thousands of people are heading to south Wiltshire, a sizeable delegation of constituents journeyed to London this week for the latest climate lobby.

I was glad to be able to carve some time out of my ministerial diary to see them, although the sheer size of these events is not always conducive to in depth discussion of the important matters on people’s minds.

I have already taken numerous smaller meetings in the constituency on the environment and I remain available for Salisbury appointments for people who want to save themselves a journey!

I have also met with senior leaders from Salisbury District Hospital about their ambitious plans for the hospital estate.

Taking a bold and creative approach to easing the transition between clinical and social care is essential if we are to address the growing demand for services from people living many years with multiple chronic conditions.

I am keen to do all I can to ensure that the lines of communication with the planning authority and Department of Health remain open, so that plans can progress as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

I look forward to ending the week at the Phoenix Stars cheerleaders showcase. I first became aware of them when they were just starting out. Now, of course, They are a home of champions, with numerous national honours and the world firmly in their sights!

Huge credit is due to Jane Usher and her team of coaches, supporters and athletes who built the club from scratch.