BUSINESSES are being encouraged to show their support for armed forces personnel by joining the Heroes Welcome campaign.

The scheme, whereby businesses display a sticker to show that they offer a warm welcome to serving or former armed services personnel, sometimes offering service upgrades or discounts, was started by Scarborough businessman John Senior, but has now spread to many parts of the UK.

North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) has backed the scheme at an event held at County Hall with personnel from the county’s military bases.

Coun John Fort, chairman of the county council, said the Heroes Welcome complemented the North Yorkshire Armed Forces Community Covenant, an agreement signed last year between the armed forces and community representatives in the county.

The covenant encourages everyone in North Yorkshire to support the local armed forces communities.

In return, the armed forces are encouraged to do as much as possible to integrate the service community into civilian life.

Coun Fort said: “North Yorkshire has one of the greatest concentrations of military bases anywhere in England and the military presence is hugely significant for the county, both socially and economically.

“This is an excellent way for people all over the county to show their support for the men and women – and their families – to whom we all owe so much.”

Colonel Nick Millen, Commander of Catterick Garrison, said: “Having public support for the work that we do is a great morale boost for the Armed Forces.

“The ‘Heroes Welcome’ scheme brings the North Yorkshire people’s support to life and is so special to those that live and serve here in the county. I am sure that this initiative will be most helpful.”

Businesses can find out more about joining and can pick up their stickers at their local library or from NYCC Customer Services Centre, email customer.services@northyorks.gov.uk or phone 0845 872 7374.