THE ROYAL Borough has been recognised for its ongoing support of the armed forces.

The Ministry of Defence's Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme rewards councils who support the local armed forces and their families.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) received a bronze award in October 2017, but has since been awarded a silver award.

Just some of the policies the council has in place include allowing all staff to carry out a day's paid leave to undertake volunteering such as Cadet Forces adult volunteers, and additional paid leave of two weeks per year for reservists, specifically to enable them to attend their annual camp.

Events demonstrating the council’s commitment to defence include, the opening of Victoria Park in Dedworth, where the council created a new park on the Broom Farm estate for service families, the council’s involvement in local remembrance and Battle of Britain services, and the One Borough Group, a community engagement forum to address community issues and encourage better understanding of and partnership working between voluntary, community groups, housing association, and statutory partners.

Cllr Samantha Rayner, cabinet member for culture and communities, said: “We are extremely proud of our armed forces and in the last few years have demonstrated this through many joint projects and community events.

“Our bronze award was a big achievement and to get the silver one now cements the progress we have made and shows how our journey is continuing to strengthen our working relationship with the military and service families.”

Cllr Simon Dudley, leader of the council will also collect the award on behalf of the council in September along with Cllr Rayner, added: “As an employer the council recognises the valuable contribution that reservists make to the UK Armed Forces, their communities and the civilian workplace.

“We are so lucky to have our local military families and they are such an important part of the community. We will continue to support them during and after their service.”