THE Vale of Glamorgan Council have recently won an award for their support of the armed forces community.

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme is run by the UK Government and is designed to encourage support from employers for the armed forces.

There are three tiers to the award - bronze, silver and gold.

The Vale council received the gold award, which has a range of conditions that need to be achieved in order for an employer to be eligible.

One of these conditions is that the employer signs up to the Armed Forces Covenant, which is essentially a promise that veterans and serving members of the armed forces will be treated fairly.

Other ways that the Vale council have tried to meet criteria for the gold award is by providing extra paid leave for reservists and having supportive HR policies in place for veterans and volunteers.

There is also free advice and support available to veterans and their families.

Cllr Eddie Williams, Vale of Glamorgan Council armed forces champion said: "This is a great achievement for the council and is in no small part due to the amazing work of our staff, who provide invaluable support to veterans and armed forces families.

"We’re delighted to be one of only 156 organisations throughout the whole of the UK to achieve the highest-level award.”

"We continue our commitment to supporting ex-armed forces personnel.

"We want to ensure that our armed forces community are treated fairly and are incredibly proud to have service families living and working in the Vale."