The Ministry of Defence has officially recognised the work being done by The Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust to improve the mental health services offered to the region's military veterans. 

It granted the trust a silver award in its Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

The award is a form of accreditation which recognises positive stances of organisations towards the armed forces.

The trust already held a bronze reward, but following a recent application the MoD has upgraded its status.

Vicki Bailey, veterans clinical nurse specialist, said: "Knowing there are veterans within the trust may help support service users as we can put them in touch with each other.

"As a team, I encourage any service users who are veterans to have contact with a colleague in the team who is also a veteran, to help break down the barrier and promote support."

Caroline Donovan, chief executive of NSFT, said: "We are proud of our journey to achieve silver, putting in a range of measures to support those serving, veterans and their families.

"The growth of our veteran support gives members the chance to influence positive change and improve services."