THE Church of England in Herefordshire has made a commitment to the armed forces by signing a covenant.

The Diocese of Hereford and Hereford Cathedral have committed to honour and support the Armed Forces Covenant and the armed forces community by recognising the value serving regular and reservist personnel, veterans and military families contribute to our country.

The covenant will ensure employment support for veterans, reservists, service spouses and partners as well as support for cadet units, and Armed Forces Day.

The Bishop of Hereford, the Rt Revd Richard Frith, said: "The covenant is a voluntary pledge demonstrating how the diocese and our parishes support the armed forces community.

“Our diocese and this part of the country has a strong association with the military and we will support serving and former service personnel in any way we can.”

The covenant was signed as part of Flag Raising Day in Hereford, following a procession from the Shirehall to the bull statue at High Town where the flag was raised.

The Dean of Hereford, the Very Revd Michael Tavinor said: “Historically, the cathedral has been there in war and in peace to offer a place of solace and reflection.

“This continues today, not least with our renewed and strong links with the local regiment.”

Prayers were led at the flag raising by the first Armed Forces Champion for the Diocese of Hereford, the Revd Paul Roberts.

The Diocese of Hereford is the Church of England in Herefordshire, south Shropshire and some parishes in Worcestershire, Powys and Monmouthshire.