A CATHEDRAL has pledged to be an armed forces-friendly organisation by signing up to a covenant aimed at helping veterans in the workplace.

Durham Cathedral has become one of more than 800 businesses and organisations to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant, which is aimed at securing the fair treatment of serving members of the armed forces, veterans and their spouses, in the workplace and the community.

The Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Dean of Durham gathered on Saturday with Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham Sue Snowdon, Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland the Duchess of Northumberland, Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear Susan Winfield and military representatives to sign the covenant.

He said: “We are delighted to confirm our support of service personnel and their families through a formal commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

"It is even more pertinent to be able to do so as we mark Remembrance Sunday, and as we acknowledge and give thanks for the contribution made by the armed forces both past and present.”

It means the cathedral has pledged to provide support to members of the armed forces who face disadvantage as well as support the employment of service spouses.

The cathedral, which is part of the Ministry of Defence's employer scheme, will also continue the long entrenched tradition of giving thanks for the contribution made by the armed forces by marking nationally significant dates, like Remembrance Sunday and the Battle of Britain.

Brigadier Paul Baker, chief executive North of England RFCA said: “I am delighted that Durham Cathedral decided to pledge their continued support to the armed forces family by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

"In signing the covenant, Durham Cathedral recognises the tremendous contribution and sacrifice the armed forces have made in the past for the safety and welfare of our country, and who continue to do so now and in the future through the regular, reserves and cadet forces”.

The covenant was signed ahead of the Festival of Remembrance Concert, which was held in aid of ABF The Soldier’s Charity on Saturday evening and featured the ever-popular and dramatic poppy drop from the Lantern.