A NORTH-EAST football club celebrated being the first in the country to receive a Bronze Award from the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme at its game on Saturday.

Hartlepool United chairman Gary Coxall was joined on the pitch by Colonel Steve Hopper, assistant commander of the 4th Infantry Brigade, Lieutenant Andy Black, Warrant Officer Mark Hill, Councillor Allan Barclay and Mayor Rob Cook before Pools' match against Newport County.

Fans gave a round of applause as the group signed an Armed Forces Covenant underlining the commitment the club made when it announced its statement of intent to support defence personnel.

Mr Coxall said: “This is a fantastic honour for everyone connected with Hartlepool United.

“We were delighted to welcome our honoured guests at Saturday’s game. We have looked to work closely with the Armed Forces in the past and will continue to do so in the future because we recognise what important work they do for us all.

"We would like to thank the Reserve Forces and Cadets Associations for their help along the way.’’

The signing of the covenant commits the club to upholding the values of the Armed Forces, supporting and promoting their work and sharing the fact that Hartlepool are a forces-friendly organisation.

It will now spend the next 12 months working towards its silver award.