PRINCE Harry has presented a North-East hospital trust with a gold award for its work with the armed forces.

City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Trust was among those rewarded through the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Employer Recognition Scheme, a badge of honour handed out by the Ministry of Defence to organisations demonstrating outstanding support for the armed forces community.

Ken Bremner, the trust’s chief executive, said: “We are honoured to have been recognised by the Ministry of Defence for the work we do to support the armed forces and particularly delighted to have the award presented to us by HRH Prince Harry.

“It is important for us to celebrate the contribution made, particularly by our staff, who also serve as reservists and we very much value the extra skills and experience that they bring to the trust.

“We also employ a number of veterans and are looking at initiatives that will provide work placement opportunities and guaranteed interviews where they have skills that match a role.”

Defence secretary Sir Michael Fallon was joined by Prince Harry as he handed out the awards at a ceremony at the Imperial War Museum.

Mr Fallon said: “I’m delighted to recognise employers who make it crystal clear that regardless of size, location, or sector, employing people with military skills is good for business.”