A new veterans' hub in Clitheroe has welcomed a visit from the Ribble Valley mayor.

Mayor Councillor Louise Edge joined former servicemen and women at the Trinity Methodist Church and Community Hub for a cuppa and a quiz.

The weekly get-togethers are organised by the charity Veterans in Communities, which aims to support East Lancashire servicemen and women with mental health conditions as they return to civilian life or face social isolation.

The charity, launched in 2012, provides a variety of activities such as walking, gardening, community work, arts and crafts, and singing, all designed and delivered by former veterans.

The charity also offers help and advice for servicemen and women who have fallen into difficulty.

Cllr Edge said: "Armed forces personnel often face disadvantages in civilian life as a result of long periods of time spent away from home, injury or specific health issues.

"I was delighted to meet former local servicemen and women at the veterans’ hub at Trinity Methodist Church, where they can be assured of a warm welcome, a cuppa and a quiz, every Tuesday."

Ribble Valley Borough Council, an active supporter of the armed forces community, awarded the Freedom of the Borough to the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment in 2011 and signed an Armed Forces Community Covenant in 2013, which was renewed in 2022.

Council staff have undergone specialist training in armed forces awareness and the council holds the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) bronze award.

Every June the council arranges a flag-raising ceremony at Clitheroe Castle marking the start of Armed Forces Week.

In June the mayor lit a beacon at the castle commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and this latest visit took place as preparations for the annual Armistice commemorations in November begin.

The Veterans in Communities (VIC) group meets at the Trinity Methodist Church Community Hub in Parson Lane from 10am to 12pm every Tuesday and all are welcome.