TODAY’S news that Oxfordshire is the one of the first two areas to adopt the Armed Forces Community Covenant reflects the high esteem the armed forces are held in by our county.

It is a fitting tribute to the sacrifice and bravery shown by the bomb disposal experts of Didcot’s 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, the Royal Logistic Corps units in Abingdon and Bicester, infantrymen serving with the Rifles and the RAF squadrons based at Benson and Brize Norton.

There have been too many stories of servicemen and women being let down by the system they are fighting to preserve, the spirit of fairness they want to see thrive in countries like Afghanistan.

The covenant must make a real difference to the lives of those currently in uniform and veterans.

Pledges such as council tax relief, support for schools and access to IVF treatment show ministers are serious about improving the lot of forces personnel.

These are basic entitlements and the Troops to Teachers scheme, to train retired veterans for careers in education, hints at future possibilities.

The Government must look at innovative ways of helping them, giving them opportunities to develop their lives in and out of the forces and delivering on what it so confidently promises today.