Mansfield District Council has had an award for supporting the defence and Armed Forces community extended for another five years.

Mayor Andy Abrahams said: “I am delighted that Mansfield continues to support our Armed Forces and its veterans in terms of recruitment to roles at the council and in the delivery of services such as housing.

“Service of this kind has often involved huge sacrifices and can leave these members of our community particularly vulnerable.

“It is only right that as a council we do what we can to support these citizens in whatever ways we can.”

It has been reawarded the Silver Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme — one of many ways the council said it supports Armed Forces and veterans.

It has also signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly.

The council runs a Veterans Crisis Fund, which aims to help ex-Service personnel in need of help, whether through disability, sickness, old age, or poverty. Applications for funding can also be made by cadet units to help pay for training and development opportunities.

To apply, go to www.mansfield.gov.uk/downloads/file/1382/veterans-crisis-fund-application-form.

The council prioritises serving Forces personnel and veterans in applications for a council home, and help for those threatened with homelessness or preparing for discharge.