Northumberland Community Bank has become the 12,000th organisation to sign the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC).

The covenant is a promise that signatories will treat serving and former armed forces members, and their families, with fairness and respect.

It also ensures that those in the armed forces community have equal access to government and commercial services.

This includes support in areas like healthcare, education and childcare, housing and accommodation, employment and financial services.

Scott Wilson Laing, CEO of Northumberland Community Bank, said: "It was a surprise to learn that we were the 12,000th signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant.

"Signing the AFC is our pledge to support the community at the local level and to expand our reach in providing support to the armed forces community."

Wing commander Helen Smyth, co-signatory of the AFC on behalf of the MOD, said: "It is a pleasure to be the co-signatory for the 12,000th Armed Forces Covenant signing.

"Having companies support our military community is incredibly important and as an ex Regular (and now Reservist) I have experienced this support first hand."

Northumberland Community Bank was launched in 2017 and operates on a membership-based system, offering a sustainable source of lending for individuals and SMEs.