MISSILE maker MBDA is accustomed to backing the Armed Forces with its firepower — but now it has pledged to support serving soldiers and veterans in a different way.

The Bolton firm has signed up to the Armed Forced Corporate Covenant — a promise to support forces’ charities.

Managing director Steve Wadey visited the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall to sign the agreement which reinforces MBDA’s commitment to three charities — the Army Benevolent Fund, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and the Royal Navy and Royal Marine Charity.

The company has already raised more then £70,000 for the three causes at their customer dinner in November.

MBDA also supports the Sailors’ Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Families’ Association (SSAFA) which supports ex-servicement from all areas of the country.

An employee-led event call the Big Brew Up which takes place at four MBDA bases — including Lostock — has also raised nearly £5,000.

Mr Wadey signed the covenant with defence minister Philip Dunne.

Mr Wadey said: “When the opportunity to sign the AFCC arose, it was instinctive for MBDA to want to show its long-standing commitment and support for the armed forces.

“As one of the country’s leading defence suppliers and an employer of both reservists and ex-members of the armed forces, we want to show the regard and respect all of us at MBDA have for service personnel, their families and the responsibilities they shoulder.

“Signing the AFCC is a public declaration of our support and I am glad that we have had the opportunity to do so alongside the minister.”

Mr Dunne said: “The men and women of our Armed Forces and their families represent the very best of society so it is only right that everyone, including all businesses, recognise their tremendous contribution and sacrifice.”