A CAMPAIGN is underway to persuade more ex-service people to apply for the Armed Forces Veterans lapel badge.

The badge was launched in 2004 to try to raise the profile of forces veterans and make it easier for people to recognise them.

It is available to anyone who has served in the armed forces, including volunteers and regular reserves.

Former Bexley councillor Teresa Pearce, now a prospective Parliamentary candidate, whose father was in the services, has teamed up with Thamesmead Town and Abbey Wood Royal British Legion, to raise encourage more ex-service people to apply for their badge.

She said: “The badge is a visible way of raising public awareness of veterans’ achievements and their contribution to society.

“I hope many local people will come forward and claim their lapel badge.”

She added: “Our armed forces, and their courage, should never be taken for granted and this campaign to publicise the badge is part of a wider campaign by the Royal British Legion to get politicians of all parties to sign up to honour the Military Covenant.”

The enamelled badge is engraved and carries the words “HM Armed Forces Veteran”.

It includes the Tri-Service, anchor, crossed swords and eagle motif.

The symbolism is intended to encourage a sense of unity and community between surviving veterans and to ignite public recognition of veterans and their continuing contribution to society.

Veterans can apply for the badge by filling in the form in News Shopper and returning to Thamesmead Town and Royal British Legion, c/o 315 Bexley Road, Erith DA8 3EX, or by calling the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency on Freephone 0800 169 2277 or going to veterans-uk.info/vets_badge/vets_badge.htm