SUPPORT for military reservists is being drummed up in Hampshire following their relief work in floodhit areas of the county.

Reservists were the first among hundreds of Army and Navy personnel providing hands-on assistance in support of the multi-agency response and recovery efforts to the flooding.

Now Hampshire County Council has joined forces with the Local Government Association to pledge support and encouragement to staff who want to sign up.

And reservists from 7th Battalion The Rifles and HMS King Alfred of the Royal Naval Reserve will be going to the county council’s offices in Winchester to raise awareness of the opportunities and benefits of joining the reserve forces.

Representatives of the forces involved with the flood relief work will visit the council's headquarters on 13 March for a reserve service presentation to staff, managers and senior members.