An Arun District Council employee has been recognised for her work to raise awareness of veterans' issues. Cathryn French, the council's safeguarding officer, was named Overall Armed Forces Champion for the South-East of England Region at the Armed Forces Networks Conference in Brighton on April 3. Councillor Mark Turner MBE, Arun District Armed Forces Champion, collected the award on her behalf.

He said: "Cathryn French has been an outstanding advocate, friend, and compassionate supporter of the whole veterans' community. "She has raised the profile of veterans' issues through selfless diligence and determination whilst promoting and developing the role of our Armed Forces Champions. "I am honoured and delighted to have accepted this thoroughly deserved and prestigious award on her behalf.

" This week, Cllr Turner met with Cathryn to hand over her well-deserved award. Cathryn said: "I am delighted to accept this award. "The council has a team of Armed Forces Champions across our services, and we are so proud to support the Armed Forces Community.

"I couldn’t do this work without the wonderful partners that we work with across Arun, such as the Veteran Hub. "It is an honour to support serving personnel and veterans who have given so much for our country." Ian Neville, who runs the Littlehampton Breakfast Club and the Arun Veterans LiVeS Project, was also recognised for his outstanding support and outreach to local veterans.

The awards, presented by His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr Andrew Blackman, recognised the outstanding service of various personnel, charities, and organisations, including Armed Forces' Champions, from across the South East Region of England..