The award has been launched following Armed Forces Day on Saturday, and the winners of the inaugural award will be announced in October.

From next year, 2023, the winners will be announced around Armed Forces Day itself.

Four awards will be made each year, one each across the four localities of Cambuslang/Rutherglen, Clydesdale, East Kilbride and Hamilton.

All four winners will receive an engraved quaich and a shopping voucher.

Council Leader Joe Fagan said: “This award will recognise those people across South Lanarkshire who help our veterans, and their families, adjust back to life when they leave the Armed Forces.

“If you are aware of people who deserve this recognition in your community then please get in touch.”

The council’s Veterans' Champion, Councillor Mark Horsham, said: “It is well-known that acclimatising to life following time in the Armed Forces can be difficult for many people.

“These awards are small way of us saying our thanks for the invaluable work that goes on to make that process easier for veterans and their families.”

If you wish to nominate someone, please provide their specific details including name, address, telephone number and email address if possible. Tell us why you think the person is deserving of the award. Comments supporting the nomination from local groups would also be helpful, as well as details about the veterans/families if available.

To nominate, please email us or write to: Armed Forces Day Awards, Floor 2, South Lanarkshire Council HQ, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA.

Winners will be selected by a panel of Elected Members that will be chaired by the Council Leader and will include the council’s Veterans’ Champion. The closing date for nominations is Friday 16 September.