A NORTH-East council has been given a gold award for its work in support of the armed forces community.

Durham County Council is one of only 50 employers including ten local authorities in the UK to receive a gold award through the defence employer recognition scheme this year.

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

The council, which achieved the silver award in 2015, is involved in a number of initiatives, including, setting up a forum to encourage organisations to work together to ensure people are not disadvantaged as a result of military service, or leaving the forces, and the creation of an armed forces outreach service.

It has a reserve forces policy and a scheme guaranteeing interviews for veterans who meet essential criteria.

Armed forces champion cllr Lucy Hovvels said: “I am delighted we have been recognised for our work to support the armed forces community.”