NORTH Ayrshire Council have received top recognition for their appreciation, acknowledgment and commitment of our armed forces.

They received a silver award from the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme who emphasise the importance that: "We acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives."

The council's veteran's champion Jim Montgomerie collected the award on their behalf in a presentation at Edinburgh Caslte last week.

He accepted the award, which presented to him by the governor of Edinburgh Castle, General Alistair Bruce.

Cllr Montgomerie commented: "It was a fantastic night and it was an honour to represent North Ayrshire Council in accepting this award on their behalf.

"All the military made me feel so welcome and it was a lovely evening."