Monmouthshire County Council has signed a covenant with the Ministry of Defence to recognise the county's long and proud association with the armed forces.

The Community Covenant gives local voice to the Armed Forces Covenant and recognises the links that exist between our communities and the armed forces.

The aim of the Community Covenant is to encourage local communities to support the service community in their area and promote understanding and awareness among the public of issues affecting the Armed Forces Community.

Working together across Monmouthshire there is the opportunity to develop joint projects that will benefit communities.

Council leader Cllr Peter Fox said: "We are really pleased that in signing Monmouthshire's Community Covenant we have been able to recognise the close relationship that exists between our communities and the armed forces.

"All around the world our forces face real challenges in action and I'm glad that we were able to let them know that we, in Monmouthshire, are fully supporting them in the great job they do."

Lt Col Peter Fisk, of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia), said: "I am extremely proud to be here to sign the covenant on behalf of all three armed services.

"The council is recognising what it can do for the armed services and what the armed services can do for the community because we live in the community.

"I will vigorously pursue the process to ensure that projects are realised with the council."