A bus operator has been awarded gold for its commitment to the armed forces.

Stagecoach East, which operates in Stevenage, was given the award by the Armed Forces Covenant after making several pledges to support armed forces professionals and veterans.

These included attending 29 Ministry of Defence employment fairs, known as Career Transitional Partnership events, where 49 drivers and engineers were recruited.

The bus operator also worked with several military-based charities, providing support and free travel, particularly for cadets.

The charities included the Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes, Scotty’s Little Soldiers, and Veterans in Logistics.

Stagecoach East raised more than £14,500 for charities and formed partnerships with the Department for Work and Pensions and the Ministry of Defence to offer interviews to any veteran or their families.

They also support homeless veterans in employment and provide free travel on Armed Forces Weekend and Remembrance Day for serving personnel, veterans, cadets, and their families.

David Boden, business development director of Stagecoach East, said: "We are so proud to have been awarded Gold recognition by the Armed Forces Covenant.

"There are not many companies in the country to have this award, which just underlines the importance of our work with armed forces professionals and how highly we value our veteran colleagues."

Claire Miles, Stagecoach’s chief executive officer, said: "I am incredibly proud of our team for their dedication and focus to achieve the gold standard award for our Armed Forces Covenant.

"Knowing how much work has gone into achieving gold makes this very special and is a testament to our continued commitment to supporting those who serve and have served our country."

The award ceremony will be held on November 28 in London, attended by the Veterans Minister and other Members of Parliament.

Simon Tramalloni, co-lead of Stagecoach’s Veterans Network, said: "This is a great achievement, especially over the timescales completed.

"This is a proud moment for our Veterans Network and, in turn, the business.

"A lot of people have given their time and support, especially over the last three years in order for us to strive to where we are now."