THE Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has decided to choose Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) as the charity it will be supporting in the year ahead.

SSAFA – the UK’s oldest national Armed Forces charity – was chosen in a staff vote.

At a launch event at Dstl’s Porton site, operations director Jenni Henderson said: “I am really looking forward to Dstl being able to support SSAFA over the next two years.

“Dstl staff are incredibly motivated by the work we do to support the armed forces and choosing SSAFA as a corporate charity gives them another way of showing that support.

“I hope we will be inspired to exceed our previous fundraising successes.”

Attending the launch were three representatives from SSAFA, who shared experiences of their work in providing practical, emotional and financial support to military personnel and their families.

SSAFA’s corporate and event manager Karen Woodgate said: “We are delighted to have been nominated as Dstl’s charity.

“The money and awareness raised from this partnership will make a very real difference to our forces family.”

As part of the launch event, a number of stallholders set up shop at the Dstl site to kick-start the fundraising campaign.

SSAFA provides lifelong support to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force and their families.