AN award-winning Yorkshire Dales Distillery has become the latest employer to publicly pledge its commitment to Britain’s Armed Forces.

Launched two years ago in Catterick by army veteran Tony Brotherton and his wife Sarah, the company has just signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant under which it promises to support the military community.

“Half of our six-strong workforce are army veterans,” said master distiller Tony.

“Because of that, we felt it was important to publicly show our commitment to ensuring we treat all those who have served in the armed forces, and their families, with fairness and respect.

“As a company, signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant is our way of expressing our thanks to the armed services and the profound contribution the military community makes.”

The distillery creates craft gins, vodkas and rums using Swaledale mineral water and locally-sourced ingredients including honey from Hipswell, red currants from Thirsk and heather flowers from the North Yorks Moors.

Chief executive of the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Yorkshire and The Humber Jason Wright said: “More than 150 companies big and small across the region have signed up to the Covenant and we are delighted to have Yorkshire Dales Distillery on board.

“By signing the Covenant, companies get access to support to enable them to develop their workforce policies and procedures in line with the values of the Covenant. In addition, it also gives them the chance to apply for a Government-backed employer recognition scheme.”

Find out about the Armed Forces Covenant at rfca-yorkshire.org.uk/employers/armed-forces-covenant/