GILLINGHAM Town Council is signing a pledge to support veterans of the Armed Forces and their families.

The Armed Forces Covenant promises families of those who serve or have served are treated with fairness and respect in their communities, economy and society for which they serve, or have served, with their lives.

“Gillingham Town Council would like to invite representatives from local businesses to join them in supporting the Armed Forces community,” a spokesperson said.

Representatives from the council, including the mayor, Cllr Barry von Clemens, will sign the covenant at a ceremony on Thursday, February 22, at the Town Hall, in School Road.

READ MORE: Wincanton-based Armishaws signs Armed Forces Pledge

It comes after Wincanton-based removals and storage firm, Armishaws – which also owns the company that publishes your New Blackmore Vale – signed the pledge in November during a ceremony at the Royal Air Station Yeovilton.

General manager at Armishaws, Pat Carter, said at the signing: “We are immensely proud to be supporting the covenant.

“So many of our customers are retired service men and women of all ranks, it was a natural step for us to take.

“We heartily encourage other companies and employers in Wiltshire to make the pledge.

“It’s really easy to do and connects you with a vast network of similarly minded companies, especially in this part of the world where so many military personnel are stationed.”

To find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant and how you can get involved, visit www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk.