FORMER servicemen traumatised by their peacekeeping duties may receive help from the Government following proposals by a local MP.

Ruth Kelly has called for an investigation into the funding of treatment for ex-servicemen suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Bolton West MP said she was concerned that people who left Her Majesty's armed forces were left in the hands of the Department of Health.

She believed the Ministry of Defence should bear the responsibility, and called for an inter-departmental investigation into funding.

Her aim is to introduce a scheme which reintegrates ex-servicemen into civilian life and funds any psychological treatment they may need.

She said: "The MoD has rightly introduced a number of measures to assist existing servicemen suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

"But in the majority of cases, post-traumatic stress disorder affects personnel many years after they have left the armed forces and responsibility.

"Clearly there is a great deal of complexity in the current system and my Early Day Motion, which has cross-party support, calls for an interdepartmental investigation into this issue."

Ms Kelly is seeking a meeting with the Veterans Minister Lewis Moonie MP to discuss the issue.

She added: "Many ex-servicemen are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and experiencing difficulty in gaining access to the necessary medical treatment.

"We need to ensure those servicemen suffering from psychological injury, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, have an efficient and effective route to the required medical treatment."

Post-traumatic stress disorder often occurs following a disturbing incident such as witnessing death.