The council has been honoured for its commitment to supporting the armed forces community again.

The local authority has received the gold award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, the highest highest level possible.

The accolade recognises the council being a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrates its commitment to supporting military veterans and reservists in society and in employment with the council.

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Cllr Richard Gold, cabinet member for finance and communities at the council, said: “We are rightly proud of our military heritage in Bury, and delighted to be recognised for the support we give our military veterans and reservists.”

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The gold award is given to recipients for a number of reasons such as marking events and raising awareness relating to veterans and reservists throughout the year.

Providing special leave for staff who are reservists to attend military training is a policy the council has followed.

And the local authority has offered a guaranteed interview to veterans who meet the full essential criteria for roles they have applied for.