MEDICS and teachers who fly the flag to help soldiers, airmen and sailors have been thanked for their help.

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bolton are among 12 organisations in the North West to receive Silver Awards under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).

The awards recognise organisations which demonstrate support for service personnel, including employing members of the armed forces and reservists.

The Bolton trust has supported the town’s serving and veteran community by helping staff deployed on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003 and appointing an armed forces champion. Chief executive Dr Jackie Bene said: “The trust has long been a supporter of the armed forces community and we’re proud of the contribution of our staff.”

Silver award winners also support the employment of cadet force adult instructors, former service personnel and military spouses or partners.

Other organisations to receive the honour include the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Oldham Council and The Riverside Group in Manchester.

Lieutenant Colonel Steven Wotherspoon, North West of England regional employer engagement director, said: “On behalf of the Ministry of Defence we are honoured to be able to recognise the level of support and commitment given to the armed forces by organisations in the region.

“Each recipient has demonstrated not only that they value the ethos of the armed forces but also that they are prepared to help reservists, former servicemen and women and cadet force adult volunteers in the workplace.”

The Deputy chief of the defence staff added his praise for the award winners.

He said: “Your actions mean that our veterans, the wounded injured and sick, our reservists and their families are not disadvantaged by their military service and have the same opportunities as everyone else.

“Your commitment is highly valued and is at the heart of all that can be achieved in every part of the country through the armed forces covenant.”

The award winners will be presented with certificates signed by the Secretary of State for Defence and the Chief of the Defence Staff during a ceremony in November.