Military veterans have "proudly saluted" nurses and carers who've "kept them safe and made their days brighter" during the pandemic.

More than 300 ex-soldiers and their families live at the Royal British Legion Industires (RBLI) in Aylesford, and they wanted to thank the 100 care providers who have supported them during the Covid-19 crisis.

In a moving ceremony, staff were presented with awards using an image of Florence Nightingale wearing a rainbow face mask.

Created by visual artist and photographer, Martin Barraud, the awards are now also available to the public, who can gift them to healthcare teams for their continued service during the Covid-19 crisis.

Former Royal Marine George Bradford, 89, presented the awards to the charity’s nurses and carers who had look after him and his comrades.

He said: "If we were showing signs of depression through being alone in our flat, they reassured us and cheered our day. They made us realise we were all kept in isolation for our own good and helped us cope with the situation.

“Our lives would have been worsened were it was not for the utter dedication, steely determination and gentle compassion.

Through your efforts you have kept us safe. You have all made our days brighter and we are all sincerely grateful for all you have done. We are proud to salute you.”

Registered nurse Carmen Cartnell, who has worked at RBLI’s care home, Gavin Astor House, throughout the pandemic, said: "I feel honoured that I’ve got the privilege to work with our veterans – the things that they’ve done and seen, hopefully we will never ever see. We need to remember that these people weren’t born old, they have a history, and have defended this country. I do everything I can to keep the dignity and the respect they deserve.

“We’ve been very lucky because we’ve had great support from the RBLI community. When I reflect on it, it’s made me realise how important every single person is – how we support each other in the bigger community. It’s made me think that nobody is more important than anybody else. We’re like a jigsaw, everyone has got their place.

"t’s been such an emotional time recently and it makes you see that people do recognise the work we are doing. The award – with Florence Nightingale – is going right in the middle of my mantelpiece and it will stay there."

To buy your own Florence Nightingale award for a carer, which is £33 for the whole package including a badge and lapel pin, click here.

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