A VETERANS group is appealing for help as part of their efforts to ensure former members of the armed service adapt to live on Civvy Street.

Supporters of the Veterans Association have secured an office on the Sough Business Park as their first base.

And the Pendle organisation is celebrating securing a £5,000 grant from the National Lottery’s Awards for All scheme.

Earlier this year the Lancashire Telegraph revealed how the association was one of two in East Lancashire which was looking to secure ‘homes for heroes’.

This would involve renting a house where ex-forces veterans could be offered supported living, and help with training and employment.

Veterans Association chief executive Tony Hayes said: “What we are now looking to do is carry on with our fundraising.

“We want to raise as much as we can rent, or even possibly buy, a number of houses in the Pendle area.”

He has also drawn up a £30,000 bid to the Henry Smith charitable trust to support the initiative.

Volunteers are now being sought to help staff the office, off the A56, for a few hours each week, or assist with fundraising drives.

The volunteers could also assist with a transport scheme, offered for veterans across the Pendle area.

Mr Hayes has also been in discussions with Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry over the restoration of the ‘forces covenant’, including housing rights for ex-services personnel.

Mr Berry is the principal private secretary to Housing Minister Grant Shapps.

Another meeting has been scheduled for later this month.