Westmorland and Furness Council have held the first of three gatherings for Armed forces veterans as they came together to celebrate and share memories.

The event at Barrow Town Hall was the first of three being organised by Westmorland and Furness Council to show its appreciation for those who have served their country.

Veterans were invited to enjoy mince pies, tea and coffee by the council’s Chairman Councillor Matt Severn, and Chief Legal and Monitoring Officer and Armed Forces Lead Officer Linda Jones.

Other guests included Councillor Bill McEwan, W&F’s armed forces champion for Barrow, and the town’s Mayor Councillor Judith McEwan.

Councillor Severn said: “We started with one festive get together last year and this year wanted to extend the invitation right across the council area.

“We had a lovely time. It was an opportunity to wish our veterans a Merry Christmas and to thank them for their service. They have made such great sacrifices and we can never say thank you enough.”

Westmorland and Furness Council is a signatory to the national Armed Forces Covenant, which recognises the value of serving personnel, veterans, Reserve Forces and military families, and ensures they are treated fairly and not disadvantaged by their military life.

Through the Westmorland and Furness Armed Forces Board the council is working with partners to develop a programme of work to offer support to veterans and their families.

The council will be holding a second event at Penrith Parish Rooms, St Andrew’s Place, this Thursday, December 12, between 9.30am and 10.30am.

Email Matty.Buck@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk to confirm attendance.

A third event will be held at Kendal Town Hall on Monday, December 16, between noon and 1pm.

Contact Cat.Brumwell@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk to confirm attendance.

If any veterans wish to find out more about the work the council and its partners are doing, please email armedforces@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk