HMS Mersey arrived in the Isles of Scilly on Tuesday July 15 to host an historic signature ceremony for the final Armed Forces Community Covenant in the country.
The last of just over 400 Armed Forces Community Covenants in the UK was signed whilst the ship was anchored off St Mary’s. HMS Mersey hosted local dignitaries, community leaders and senior representatives of the Armed Forces.
Commodore Jamie Miller, Royal Navy, Naval Regional Commander Wales and Western England, signed the covenant on behalf of the Royal Navy alongside colleagues from the Army and Royal Air Force.
Mr Theo Leijser, Chief Executive of the Council of the Isles of Scilly led the civilian signatories which included representatives from each of the Islands and from government, the voluntary sector and, of course, veterans.
Prior to the formal signing, a Sea King helicopter from 771 Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose was at Five Islands School on Monday July 14 in order to promote the covenant.