A Worcester-based housing provider has donated £200,000 in support of members of the Armed Forces community.

Sanctuary presented the donation to charity SSAFA at an event at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

The donation follows Sanctuary’s acquisition of Johnnie Johnson Housing (JJH) in March.

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The original founder of JJH, James Edgar 'Johnnie' Johnson, outlined in his legacy that in the case of his organisation being acquired, a legacy of £100,000 should be given to SSAFA.

With interest accrued over time, the total donation went up to £200,000 after Sanctuary topped it up.

Sanctuary has a history of working with veterans, having signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2017, and been awarded Silver status under the Defence Employers Scheme.

Craig Moule, Sanctuary’s group chief executive, said: "Sanctuary is dedicated to supporting veterans and their families.

"We believe that those who have served our country deserve support as they move back into civilian life and plan for the future.

“In making this donation to support SSAFA with its vital work, it’s fitting that we remember the service and sacrifices made by our Armed Forces.

"I’d also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Johnnie Johnson for his extraordinary generosity.”

At the event, Kathryn Fox-Rogers, managing director of Johnnie Johnson Housing, said: "It was a really special day, an occasion to be incredibly proud of and a fantastic way to mark JJH joining the Sanctuary Group.

“We are all exceptionally proud of this housing association and of Johnnie himself."

Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory, the Controller of SSAFA, said: "The wartime courage of Johnnie Johnson and his vision as he set up the housing association that bore his name and has helped thousands of veterans and their families over the years were both exceptional.

"His legacy will continue through this donation as it supports both serving and retired personnel and their families into the future.

"His generosity is matched by that of Sanctuary, which has increased the donation to SSAFA from its own funds very significantly."

Also in attendance was Rayleigh and Wickford MP and former Armed Forces minister Mark Francois, and Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Colonel David Leigh.