A PLEDGE to support Britain’s armed forces is set to be drawn up by Kirklees Council.

The authority is about to sign up to a Community Covenant.

The aim is to encourage charities, local authorities and the public sector, businesses, communities and individuals to work together with the military to offer support to service personnel and their families, as well as reservists and veterans.

This includes:

Encouraging local communities to support the armed forces community in their areas, and vice versa

Promoting understanding and awareness among the public of issues affecting the armed forces community

Recognising and remembering the sacrifices made by the armed forces community

Encouraging activities which help to integrate the armed forces community into local life.

The Community Covenant will be signed on Friday at Huddersfield Town Hall by the Leader of the Council, Clr Mehboob Khan, three senior officers – from the Army (Lieutenant Colonel Howard Newson), Royal Navy (Commander David Pickthall) and the Royal Air Force (Squadron Leader Phillip Todd), The Royal British Legion (Russ Murray) and the Soldiers Sailors and Air Force Association (Lt Col (Retd) Larry Smith).

The covenant will also be signed by Mike Potts, chief executive for NHS Kirklees.

Clr Jean Calvert, Kirklees Council Cabinet member for Wellbeing and Communities, will champion the work.