A COACH firm has been given an award for its commitment to serving and ex-military personnel.

Lucketts Group, which has its headquarters in Fareham, has earned the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme bronze award, which means it is officially recognised as an armed-forces friendly company.

It guarantees interviews to veterans of all ages and supports employees who choose to join reserve forces.

The company brought together vehicles from its fleet, as well as specialist military vehicles, as a way of celebrating.

Lucketts’ managing director, Tony Lawman, is a former member of the armed services himself, having served for more than 22 years in the British Army.

He said: “Having served in the forces, I know first-hand the positive attributes that ex-servicemen and women can bring to a company.

"Being able to offer guaranteed interviews to veterans is something we’re proud to offer and it’s also very beneficial for our business.

"It brings candidates with great precision, timekeeping and communications skills to our door, all vital attributes for working in the coach industry."