An Oxfordshire bus operator has been recognised for its its commitment to the armed forces community.

Stagecoach, the UK’s largest bus and coach operator, has received the Gold Award from the Armed Forces Covenant as part of The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

The company, which has been part of the scheme since 2015, is one of the largest UK employers of ex-forces personnel, employing more than 2,000 veterans and reservists.

The scheme encompasses Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to the armed forces community.

Claire Miles, Stagecoach 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."

Stagecoach’s employee-led Veterans Network allows staff to come together to make change, raise awareness and influence business decisions. 

Simon Tramalloni, armed forces and veterans co-lead, added: "Our Veterans Network works hard to ensure Stagecoach continuously provides the best support and opportunities to veterans and the wider armed forces community, so we are all extremely proud to be recognised with the Gold Standard Award from the Armed Forces Covenant, Ministry of Defence."