Hart District Council has been honoured with a Silver Employer Recognition Scheme award by the Ministry of Defence.

The award commends the council's continuous support to the armed forces and follows their Bronze award from 2018.

The accolade was collected by the council's Armed Forces Covenant Officer, Di Murdoch, and Cllr Chris Dorn, the Armed Forces Champion, during a special ceremony at Admiralty House, HMNB Portsmouth.

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mr Nigel Atkinson, presented the award.

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The National Armed Forces Covenant pledges fair treatment for those serving or having served in the armed forces and their families.

Speaking about the achievement, Cllr Dorn said: "Being recognised with this award is a fantastic achievement which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to our serving personnel and veterans.

"This has been due to the support, energy, and dedication regularly shown by all staff members within the council."

He added: "We are committed to our Armed Forces community, not only as a Defence Employer, recognising the valuable transferable skills service Armed Forces personnel can bring to the workforce, but also in providing services to meet the needs of those who serve, who have served and their families."