The council has been recognised for supporting people who have served in the military.

Northumberland County Council has been able to keep their Gold Standard Award in the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme.

The programme, which recognises and rewards UK employers and organisations who provide exceptional support for the armed forces community, first granted the Gold Award to the council in 2018.

Only nine local authorities across the UK received this award at the time, with the award status being reviewed every five years.

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Recently, the award was given to the Council at an Armed Forces Forum meeting by the North East Regional Employer Engagement Director, Gary McLafferty.

Councillor Jeff Watson, Armed Forces Champion, said: "We are very proud to have this prestigious award revalidated for a further five years.

"The Council works tirelessly to ensure that the objectives of the Armed Forces Covenant are implemented and promoted and that our Armed Forces community are fully supported through our policies and procedures, whether serving personnel, reservists, cadets, adult instructors, veterans or military families."

Councillor Gordon Castle, Armed Forces Veterans Champion, said: "We would encourage all local employers, large or small, to consider how they can be part of the armed forces covenant family.

"We owe a duty to all those men and women and all their families, who put their lives on the line for our safety, prosperity and security."