DUDLEY Council has signed up to an agreement that gives the borough access to a £30 million Government fund for projects that strengthen ties or understanding between members of the Armed Forces and the community.

It is among nearly 100 local authorities signing up to the Community Covenant scheme, spearheaded by the Royal British Legion and designed to transform the relationship between communities and serving and reservist military personnel, veterans and their families.

Stourbridge MP Margot James MP joined the Royal British Legion at a reception in the House of Commons this week to highlight the importance of honouring the Armed Forces Covenant locally.

She said: “These covenants are about securing real improvements in the welfare of Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families in constituencies across the UK. I am pleased so many local authorities, including Dudley, have signed up and I strongly encourage others to follow suit.”