The Cotswolds has demonstrated its support ahead of Armed Forces Day this Saturday.

Cotswold District Council has re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant, an agreement making it easier for military personnel past and present and their families to access support.

Councillor Jenny Forde, Armed Forces Champion, said: “It’s extremely important to us that we support members of the Armed Forces in the Cotswolds and Armed Forces Day is a great opportunity to highlight the military community.

“The Cotswolds has a long-standing relationship with the Forces and we still have active bases in our district along with many living here who have served our country.

“We are proud of the men and women who serve our country and earlier this year we re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant to underline our commitment to members of the Armed Forces and their families across the district.

“It’s important that we continue to work with veterans and that we place on record our appreciation and gratitude to those organisations which work tirelessly with our local veterans and their families.”

The original covenant was signed over 10 years ago and in 2021 the Government passed it into law for the first time.

The Armed Forces Covenant brings together organisations, such as town and parish councils and newly reformed health and social care partners, to reinforce the intention to help all those who have served.

Cotswold District Council provides additional support for both serving personnel and veterans as part of its commitment to the covenant including reducing fees on empty properties and second homes and additional support to those facing homelessness.

Councillor Stephen Andrews, a veteran who proposed the motion to recommit the councils support to the covenant, said: “For the district council and those organisations that it works with within Gloucestershire, the Armed Forces Covenant presents an opportunity for us all to continue sharing our knowledge and experience of how Local Government is structured and how it works.

“It also represents an opportunity to work with service charities on aspects relating to the welfare of service families and veterans resident in Cotswold district.”