Portsmouth praised for it's '˜golden' support of nation's military at awards night

Portsmouth City Council was presented with the armed forces covenant gold award at a ceremony in the heart of London.

The accolade was presented to council boss Gerald Vernon-Jackson by defence secretary Gavin Williamson.

It was in recognition of the authority's work to support the armed forces covenant '“ which is a pledge by companies and organisations to offer fair treatment to military personnel and their families.

Councillor Vernon-Jackson said: '˜Portsmouth is the home of the Royal Navy and has a long association with the merchant navy, the army and the Royal Air Force.

'˜We're proud to receive the gold award for the work we have undertaken in the city with veterans, reservists and serving armed forces personnel and their families.'

Portsmouth City Council has become the first unitary authority in the south east of England to have been awarded the gold title.

The armed forces covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the British military, and their families, are not disadvantaged by their service. Portsmouth is one of 407 local authorities in Great Britain that have pledged to uphold the covenant.

The title is part of the defence employers recognition scheme