WEST Mercia Police has become the latest organisation nationally to sign the national Armed Forces Covenant.

The covenant is a commitment from the nation to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect.

It focuses on helping members of the armed forces community have the same access to services and opportunities as any other citizen.

Having previously signed the covenant, West Mercia Police already holds the Ministry of Defence's silver award for demonstrating and communicating support of armed forces personnel.

The force, which has strategic alliance with Warwickshire Police, has now signed a personalised, enhanced version of the document.

It was signed by West Mercia Police Chief Superintendent Charles Hill at a recent ceremony.

Chief Superintendent Hill said: "West Mercia Police is proud to count a number of former serving members of the armed forces, reservists, and spouses among its employees.

"The skills and experience military personnel bring to our force are highly valued."

He added: "Having gained the silver award a couple of years ago, we are now working towards achieving the Gold award. The re-signing of the covenant shows our continued commitment to supporting the armed forces."