At a special Military Appreciation event hosted by Trafford Council, more than twenty Trafford Veterans were awarded with a Veteran's lapel badge and a community covenant was signed.

The covenant was signed by the Leader of Trafford Council; Councillor Matthew Colledge and representatives from the Armed Forces Community, affirming Trafford's commitment to working with local service personnel.

Trafford Council's fourth Armed Forces celebration was held at the Robert Bolt theatre in Sale Waterside. Local veteran's came together with currently serving officers to remember their time in the armed forces and share their experiences. Each veteran was given a Veteran's Badge by the Deputy Mayor of Trafford Councillor Dylan Butt.

The ceremony was conducted by Padre Banbury and included a performance from the 103 Regiment Lancashire Artillery Band volunteers, while Brigadier Nick Fitzgerald Commander, 42 North West Brigade, talked about the importance of bridging the gap between the Armed Forces and local communities.

Among the veterans honoured at the ceremony was Steven Mills who served in the Army. Speaking after the ceremony Steven said: "Being in the armed forces changed me from being shy into a confident young man. The event was excellent and very moving; it was nice to be able to reminisce."

Leader of Trafford Council Matt Colledge, who attended the event, said: "The Fourth year of this event clearly demonstrated the importance of celebrating our local service personnel and veterans . Having the opportunity to share the experiences of Trafford's veterans and give them the recognition they deserve is so important and also the signing of the covenant gives us the opportunity to think of those currently serving abroad and how we can support them on their return home"

For further information, please contact Laura King, Events Coordinator on 0161 912 4282 or laura.king@trafford.gov.uk