THE strong relationship between 29 Regiment and South Cerney Parish Council has been marked with a charming wooden badge.

The wooden badge was carved and designed by former chairman of the council Mike Stuart, who retired from the council last month after 15 years, and bears the logo of the village and the regiment.

Over the years the council has met regularly with officers from the regiment, which is located a few miles from the village, to help integrate soldiers and their families with the village.

Mr Stuart gave the crest to the regiment’s commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Viliame Nanovo at the council’s annual meeting on May 20.

Lt Colonel Nanovo, who is leaving the regiment in a few months to take up a new post, said: “Thank you very much for a wonderful piece of work. That will go very proudly on display in the officers mess.

“Thank you for all the work you do for the families of 29 Regiment.”

Over the years soldiers and their families have been embraced by the South Cerney community.

Children from the camp are educated at Ann Edwards School in South Cerney and vicar Reverend Canon David Bowers of All Hallows church in the village, is chaplain to the regiment.

Mr Stuart explained: “The army puts on regular events inviting members of our community which does help to build strong links as do the quarterly meetings of parish Council with Lt Col Nanovo. They also help out at the annual South Cerney Street Fair and Duck Race and they were there in some force yesterday (Bank Holiday Monday) joining in the fun and doing a marvellous job.”

“We must be doing something right as so many families who were based at 29 Regiment have bought houses to eventually retire to in Cerney.”