A legal pact between the council and the armed forces could see servicemen returning from combat offered help finding work, housing, school places and medical needs.

Croydon Council is to be the first local authority in London to sign a community covenant with representatives from the army navy and RAF at a launch event in the town hall later this month.

Local health services, police, business development agencies and voluntary organisations including armed forces charities have said that they will also commit to the accord.

Council leader Mike Fisher said: “This strengthens the commitments we have already made to the armed forces. We want them to know how much we value the contribution they make to our society and we are proud to stand up for them and to help in any way we can.”

The legal pact between the council and the military means new support for service personnel and their families, as well as reservists, veterans, and cadet groups will be given.

It will encourage support for the armed forces in Croydon and persuade organisations and agencies to remember the sacrifices made by members particularly those who have given the most.

It comes after the Rifles brigad, who enjoyed a homecoming parpade in 2009, was granted the freedom of Croydon earlier this year.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Croydon Colonel Ian McRobbie, the Queen’s representative in the borough, said: “Croydon's role in military history can be traced right back to 1799.

"In modern times the military has continued to maintain a presence in Croydon, always enjoying very positive support and encouragement from all sections of the community, thus continuing a long history of excellent relations with military units in the Borough.

“The Armed Forces Covenant will further enhance links between the military and civil communities, and I am delighted to have played a part in setting it up.”