The Mansfield, Ashfield and Sherwood News Journal has been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Award (ERS) for its support of the Armed Forces community — and aligning our values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

The scheme is designed to recognise private sector backing for the community, although public sector organisations are also recognised.

Bronze award holders, who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledge to support the Armed Forces, including existing or prospective employees who are members of the community.

News Journal publisher Stewart Rickersey said: “We are proud to have gained this award for showing our commitment to current and former Armed Forces personnel.

“We recognise that people can struggle to adjust when leaving the military and we want to help them.

“The Armed Forces and Service personnel, families, and veterans — employees or in the wider community — can be assured of our support.”

An ERS spokesperson said: “We would like to thank the News Journal for its statement of intent to support Defence personnel. The ERS recognises commitment and support from UK employers for defence personnel.”