JO Jenkins, organiser of Royal Navy pre-schools in Plymouth has been presented with an award from the UK’s most senior military officer.

Jo represented one of four organisations receiving commendations from the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) for their support to the armed forces.

General Sir Nicholas Houghton presented the commendation to Jo at a ceremony in London, thanking her and her colleagues for their support and commitment to the armed forces community.

The commendations recipients were the bomb disposal charity Felix Fund, tourist attraction Pennywell Farm in Devon, the Royal Navy Pre-School Learning Organisation (RNPSLO) in Plympton, Plymouth, and a charity for injured personnel - Troop Aid.

The commendations, presented at a special event at MOD Main Building in Whitehall, recognise outstanding support and commitment of a rare and exceptionally high standard given by non-military individuals or organisations to members of the armed forces.

It is also an example of the armed forces covenant in action. The covenant is about ensuring that the armed forces community does not face disadvantage due to their links to the armed forces.

General Houghton said: "We have a deserving group here today who have been motivated by their own sense of duty. It is an absolute delight to invite you here today to thank you for the work you have done in support of the armed forces family."

The RNPSLO is the largest provider of childcare in Plymouth and provides affordable flexible quality childcare to armed forces families.

Organisation co-ordinator Jo said: "It came as a big surprise. It feels amazing to get this commendation. I am part of a larger team who work not only with the children but with the service families as well, and we're all so proud."

The award citation praised Jo for an impressive performance over an extended period of time. Jo has, despite dwindling resources, developed the RNPSLO to cater for 200 children, all under Ofsted rules. She has impressed with her dedication and self-sacrifice in every aspect of her role as manager and area co-ordinator, leading her team with confidence and loyalty; she has a remarkable energy and passion for what she does particularly her commitment to providing affordable, flexible, quality child care to service families.