COUNCILLORS pledged to treat their town's armed forces families as an "integral part" of its community.

Abingdon Town Council highlighted the need to ensure military members in nearby barracks feel as welcome as any other resident to apply for grants and help from the council.

Sandy Lovatt, who put forward a motion at a meeting on Wednesday, said: "I feel they are definitely part of our community. It is a splendid sight to see soldiers marching past us, but always remember that behind those helmets are brave young faces of extraordinary young men and women who need our support and need to feel a part of our community. We value their presence and our relationship with them."

He said his idea was triggered by confusion from people at Edward Brooks Barracks in nearby village Shippon, which is home to Abingdon Airfield, over whether they could approach the council for money towards events and causes.

Members of the council passed his motion to "consider the members of the armed forces stationed at Dalton and Brooks Barracks to be an integral part of the Abingdon community".

Councillor Neil Fawcett added: "A lot of children living at the barracks utilise the services in Abingdon like the children's centres and schools, they are very much a part of the community through that right as well."