Malvern Hills District Council has received an award for its support of the armed forces.

It was given a Bronze Award by the Ministry of Defence's Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), which recognises commitment and support from UK employers towards defence personnel.

It includes awards at bronze, silver, and gold levels for organisations that pledge, demonstrate, or advocate support to the defence and armed forces community.

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To be eligible for an award, employers must have signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

The council became a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant in July.

The Covenant is a pledge to ensure that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, as well as their families, are treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve.

The council is now aiming for the silver and gold awards.

To achieve these, the council must meet several criteria, including actively demonstrating its forces-friendly credentials in its recruiting and selection processes, and ensuring that its workforce is aware of its positive policies towards defence people issues.

Councillor Natalie McVey, armed forces champion at the council, said: "As an employer, the council is proud to show its commitment and support to those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces and their families.

"We would like to encourage other employers to take the pledge, help make a difference and inspire others to do the same."

In the week leading up to Remembrance Day, the council has planned several events across the district to honour armed forces members who lost their lives as a result of war.

More information about the Covenant and the Remembrance events can be found on the council's website.