A west Dorset councillor met with the Armed Force Veteran Minister to discuss the Dorset Armed Forces Covenant.

Simon Christopher, Dorset Council councillor for Marshwood Vale, and Bridport Royal British Legion vice chairman, attended a seminar in Plymouth, Devon, where he met with MP Johnny Mercer.

During their conversation, the pair discussed the Dorset Armed Forces Covenant programme and Mr Mercer was also delighted to hear that the Bridport Royal British Legion is now thriving.

The Dorset Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge between many organisations throughout the county that pledges support between local and Armed Forces communities in the region.

Mr Christopher talked of the importance of the Dorset Armed Forces Covenant Programme to ensure all members of the armed forces are treated fairly and equally.

He said: "This is a partnership between Dorset Council, The Royal British Legion and other organisations and businesses and communities and individuals in a pledge of support between local residents and the Armed Forces Community in Dorset. 

"The overarching aim of the programme is to raise the profile of and to embed the Covenant in the day to day activities of all partnership organisations across Dorset ensuring that all members of the armed forces community are treated fairly and equally."

Recent figures indicate that there are over 58,000 service veterans who live in Dorset, and there are approximately 6,500 people currently serving in the armed forces, who are based in the county.

The Dorset Armed Forces Covenant Programme can be contacted by email at dorsetafc@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

To find out more information about the programme you can also visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/your-community/the-armed-forces-covenant