LONDON Stansted has become the first airport in England to sign the Armed Forces Covenant.

The Covenant is a promise from the nation via businesses, charities and organisations to ensure military personnel and their families are treated fairly.

A special event was held on Thursday to mark the occasion and the Covenant was signed by the airport's HR director Liz Austin and witnesses by Lt Colonel Dawber.

Ms Austin said: "We’re proud and delighted to be the first airport in England to sign up to the Covenant.

"With our close proximity to Colchester Garrison and Carver Barracks we would like to increase the number of ex-military personnel working at Stansted to demonstrate our commitment to being an armed-forces friendly airport.

"Members of the armed services can bring real value to businesses like Stansted Airport and we recognise our duty to support those individuals who fulfill difficult roles across the world and return to civilian life.”

More than 12,000 people work at Stansted and there are a number of former service personnel and reservists that work in various roles across the airport.

Jim Holland, Stansted Airport’s head of passenger services, served in the Royal Navy for 13 years, said: “Spending time in the Royal Navy really prepped me for airport life, on many fronts.

"Working in a high security environment, no two days are the same, the challenges, the people, the camaraderie, and getting things done at a fast pace.

"Just like the forces Stansted Airport really is a rewarding place to work, the culture aligns with both service values and beliefs and is a fantastic place to meet great people.”