Maldon MP Sir John Whittingdale and former Town Mayor Stephen Nunn have been made joint patrons of the Essex Historic Military Vehicle Association (EHMVA).

The military heritage charity works to preserve historic vehicles and artefacts. With more than 250 members, it is one of the fastest growing military vehicle associations in the UK.

After six years working with the charity while MP for Maldon, Sir John Whittingdale agreed to be joined as a patron by local historian Stephen Nunn.

Mr Nunn told Nub News: "I feel highly honoured and privileged to have been asked to become joint patron of an organisation that keeps the memories alive of those who have served our country.

"Through showcasing restored military vehicles, the Essex HMVA educates and remembers. I am proud to be associated with them."

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Last week, Sir John joined Essex-based company CVC Components as it signed the Armed Forces Covenant. The Covenant is a Ministry of Defence pledge to help serving military personnel, veterans, and their families.

Spokesperson Shaun Morgan told Nub News: "As an injured former soldier myself, I know what it's like trying to find help and support – not just financially, I mean employment, making people understand your injuries and limitations, and also socialising with like-minded people".

Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale OBE handed over the signed Armed Forces Covenant certificate to former L/Cpl Morgan. (Photo: CVC Components)

Mr Morgan, a former Lance Corporal with the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers, was medically discharged after breaking his spine in Africa.

Through signing the Covenant, CVC Components has committed to helping the military community, promoting charities and events along with recruiting more former soldiers like Shaun.

Due to an increase in global sales, CVC is set to expand to a 45,000-square-foot storage facility in Maldon and will recruit more staff in its technical and sales departments.

"It's not only wonderful to see a company expanding and recruiting so rapidly in our area, but to see their commitment to helping the local ex-forces community is fantastic," Sir John added.

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