The North East’s largest council has received national recognition for its work to support the Armed Forces community.

Durham County Council has been re-awarded the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Gold Award as part of its Employer Recognition Scheme.

The award recognises employers who demonstrate positive attitudes and policies towards serving and ex-members of the Armed Forces.

Major Stephen Simpson, Executive Officer, 8th Battalion, The Rifles, presented the certificate to the council’s Chair, Cllr Joan Nicholson, and its Armed Forces champion, Cllr Robert Potts, before a meeting of the full council.

Cllr Joan Nicholson said: “It is an honour to be presented with this award. We strive to do all we can to support veterans and members of the armed forces community in County Durham.”

Cllr Robert Potts added: “We will never forget the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community. As a council we aim to do all we can to support them and by signing the Armed Forces Covenant we have made a promise that we will treat all those who serve, or have served in the armed forces, and their families, fairly.”

More information on the support provided for all Armed Forces personnel, reservists, veterans and their families can be found at www.durham.gov.uk/armedforces