A COVENANT pledging more co-operation between Winchester and the armed forces has been signed.

It is a voluntary statement of mutual support between the council and representatives of the armed forces promising to recognise the commitment and sacrifice made by past and present members of the military.

It was Cllr Ernie Jeffs's first document signed in his role as the city's new Mayor.

Winchester garrison commander Brigadier Allan McLeod, Colonel Stephen Oxlade of the South East Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association and Mr William Bates, county chairman of the Royal British Legion also signed it.

Leader of Winchester City Council, Cllr Keith Wood, said: “This is a covenant that is meaningful because it underpins a real partnership. For our part we will ensure we make a real contribution and I know the military will also do their part.

"None of us intend this to become a meaningless piece of paper, and we will all work at this to ensure that it remains a living document.”

An informal celebration of the new covenant is planned for Armed Forces Week in June 2013.

The covenant means the city council and the armed forces will have a work together closer in civic, ceremonial and community events, activities and campaigns while the council will seek to provide access to appropriate housing and employment among other things.

Brigadier Allan McLeod said: “We within the armed forces very much value our strong links with Winchester City Council.

“What provides real comfort is the knowledge that our local communities not, value and mark the contribution made by armed forces personnel and their families and in this regard Winchester has been unwavering.

“It is important that we in the military have close links with the society that we are here to defend and from which we draw, and this is why today's signing is so important.

“The community covenant will play a key role in helping armed forces personnel to become even more integrated with the community in Winchester, and it articulate meaningful support, assistance and understanding of our special circumstance and needs.”