OXFORDSHIRE today becomes one of the first two areas in the UK to guarantee the welfare of soldiers and their families through the Armed Forces Community Covenant, to the delight of veterans.

More than £100,000 of Oxfordshire County Council money will be spent in the next 12 months to help people leaving the forces to resettle in the county, topped up with grants from the Government.

And charities, local authorities, businesses, communities and individuals are being urged to offer their services to work together to help to servicemen and their families.

A new Veteran’s Card, offering discounts and other privileges, is to be launched and the county will receive extra Government money for schools which educate pupils from forces’ families.

Council tax relief will be increased from 25 to 50 per cent for the 8,200 personnel in the county while they are serving overseas.

Jim Izzard, who last year went to Afghanistan as a reservist 29 years after leaving the RAF, welcomed the pledge of support.

The 50-year-old, from Letcombe Bassett, near Wantage, said: “I think this is a huge step forward and will massively benefit service personnel and their families in Oxfordshire. The most important thing for me is that there’s a network of emotional support in place for the families.”

Mr Izzard, whose 21-year-old son Adam plans to join the Royal Marines, said:“This will also help personnel in Afghanistan, because there’s nothing more distracting than knowing your family are struggling.”

His wife Lorna said: “It can be so hard for families at home, because you’re just expected to carry on and hide any fears or worries you may have. Any advice or support, or financial help for some people, will make a huge difference.”

Hampshire is the only other county launching the scheme today, ahead of the national Armed Forces Day on Saturday.

Members of Oxford University Officers’ Training Corps will raise a flag at County Hall in New Road, Oxford, at 2pm today to mark the occasion and the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire ,Tim Stevenson, will take the salute.

Steve Radband, whose 25-year-old son David is on his third Afghan tour of duty with the Parachute Regiment, said: “I think it’s a brilliant idea.”

The 48-year-old Bampton resident said: “The biggest issue for families is when the soldiers come home. They need emotional support and people to talk to.”

Jim Lewendon, 81, chairman of the Oxford group of the Royal British Legion, added: “This is a very important move.

“The Legion has helped veterans and their families for years, and it’s great to hear that the council is also doing its bit.”

The county council says it is proud of the of the armed forces and wanted to support the work of the military whenever it could.

Council spokesman Marcus Mabberley said: “The launch is partly about encouraging other organisations to get involved. This may mean, for example, businesses beginning a loyalty card scheme for service personnel.”