Less than a quarter of British people admired the work of the armed forces in the fight against Covid-19.

That's according to a new survey, released by SSAFA, the armed forces charity.

It comes in the run up to Armed Forces Day on Saturday, with over half of those surveyed not being aware of the national day to celebrate the work of servicemen and women.

The survey found that just 23 per cent of Brits surveyed admire the Armed Forces for their work during the fight against Covid-19.

40 per cent were unaware that the Armed Forces have supported in the fight against Covid-19, with 53 per cent surveyed not knowing the Armed Forces helped with the UK’s vaccinations.

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Covid-19 response it the biggest ever homeland military operation during peacetime, with more than 5,000 personnel involved.

The Armed Forces have supported the NHS in the response to Covid-19, including running Covid-19 testing centres, creating a PPE distribution network and supporting the vaccination programme.

But not everyone key to the fight against Covid-19 was forgotten: 70 per cent of those surveyed admitted that they admire the work of NHS workers and a further 40 per cent admire retail staff for their work during the pandemic.

In light of these results, SSAFA is calling on the public to thank the men and women who make up the Armed Forces for their support during the Covid-19 pandemic this Armed Forces Day and learn more about the work they have done to support the nation and overseas.

Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO at SSAFA, said: “The Armed Forces have worked tirelessly to support the country in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, including supporting the NHS and the Government with the nationwide vaccination roll-out, testing and much more.

"Hence the findings from our survey, highlighting the lack of understanding of the contribution of the Armed Forces, are a surprise to us at SSAFA.

“Therefore it is appropriate that, for Armed Forces Day 2021, SSAFA and other organisations highlight the outstanding work of those in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force, alongside other key workers, who have all put themselves on the frontline in the fight against Covid-19.

"That is the essence of service, something that makes our Armed Forces so special.”

Sally Orange, an award-winning veteran and SSAFA fundraiser, was part of London’s NHS Nightingale Hospital and helped to support the NHS in the fight against Covid-19.

Sally Orange said: “The last 18 months have been incredibly difficult for everyone, but particularly for our key workers.

"This includes our serving personnel who, in a time of crisis, stepped up and supported on the frontline in the fight against Covid-19.

"It is important that we take the time to pause and give thanks to them this Armed Forces Day."