Rutland County Council has thanked local reservists as part of celebrations to mark the UK's Armed Forces Day.

Armed Forces Day is held in June to acknowledge and support the country's armed forces community, which includes serving personnel, veterans, families and cadets.

These nationwide celebrations include Reserves Day, which took place last Wednesday (26 June) and shines a light on the vital work done by reservists who balance armed forces training and operations with civilian life.

Locally, the armed forces community makes up more than 15 percent of Rutland's population, with Reserve Forces accounting for approximately one sixth of this.

Rutland County Council's Armed Forces Champion Councillor Ian Razzell, a former reservist who rose to the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1 (Regimental Sergeant Major) and spent 10 years as a Commissioned Officer, said: "My military career spanned more than 30 years and during this time I worked very closely with the Reserve Forces.

"Through their dedication and professionalism, reservists play a hugely important role in our armed forces - supporting operations worldwide and providing an invaluable contribution to the nation's security at home and abroad.

"We owe them a huge debt of gratitude and I would like to thank everyone who supported Reserves Day."

As well as recognising the contribution made by UK Reservists everywhere, Reserves Day encourages people to find out more about the benefits of taking up reserve service.

Brian Browne is an Early Help Worker at Rutland County Council and has served with the Reserve Forces for seven months.

He says: "Serving as a reservist is really rewarding. It's a paid role where you have the opportunity to see new places, learn new things and visit new countries around the world, as well as meeting other Reservists who come from all walks of life."

"We're away 27 days of the year and the council gives me extra time off to commit to the reserves, which doesn't affect my annual leave.

"We have two-week training camps every 12 months, both at home and overseas, where I and other reservists get to learn transferable skills that can assist us in our jobs back home, including leadership, communication and language courses.

"We really appreciate public support; it gives us a huge confidence and morale boost so Reserves Day is always important."

Last year, Rutland County Council received a Silver Award from the national Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for its continued support of the armed forces community.

The award is given to employers that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

It is the second highest accolade issued by the Ministry of Defence as part of its Employer Recognition Scheme, which encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same.

Reservists can serve in the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Marines.

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