A NORTH-EAST football club has become the first in the country to receive the Bronze Award from the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme.

The award comes after Hartlepool United confirmed a statement of intent to support defence personnel and the club will underline that commitment by signing an Armed Forces Covenant tomorrow (Saturday) prior to their game against Newport County. Chairman Gary Coxall will be joined on the pitch just before kick-off by Colonel Steve Hopper, who is assistant commander of the 4th Infantry Brigade, Lieutenant Colonely Andy Black, Warrant Officer Mark Hill, Cllr Allan Barclay and Mayor Rob Cook to celebrate the signing of the document.

“To be the first club in the country to be given the Bronze Award is a fantastic honour for everyone connected with Hartlepool United,” said Mr Coxall. “We have looked to work closely with the Armed Forces in the past and will continue to do so in the future because we recognise what important work they do for us all."

The signing of the Covenant commits the the club to upholding the values of the Armed Forces, supporting and promoting their work and sharing the fact that it is a forces-friendly organisation.