A VISIT a veteran breakfast club has been launched at Lostock Lodge Care Home.

Northwich mayor Cllr Alison Gerrard and deputy lieutenant of Cheshire Susan Sellers joined veterans from the Royal British Legion, local PCSOs and more than 60 people from the community to open the event.

“We are very proud of the hard work that everyone at Lostock Lodge has put into this event,” said Alykhan Kachra, managing director at Country Court Care.

“It’s wonderful to see so many people here and we hope that veterans living in the local community will come and visit our resident veterans on a regular basis."

The idea was the brainchild of Stephen Harrison, a former army sergeant major who works at the home.

He said: “After chatting with several residents, I found out that quite a few had seen military service and had some fascinating stories to tell.

"I thought it would be a great idea to set up a club where veterans could get together and share camaraderie and experiences from their time in the forces.”

Stephen served for 10 years in the Grenadier Guards including tours in Belize, Germany, Hong Kong and Northern Ireland.

A remembrance service led by Marshall Hunter, chairman of Northwich Royal British Legion was held on Friday to herald the start of the club,.

A choir from the care home sang Abide with me accompanied by pianist Joyce Clare.

Resident Bill Banks led the readings and residents' war time stories and memories were shared by members of the care team.

Everyone then enjoyed a full English Breakfast and an opportunity to chat to residents and meet staff.

The breakfast club will be hosted at the care home at Cheshire Business Park at Lostock Gralam on the last Friday of every month. It is an opportunity for veterans, both residents at Lostock Lodge and those from the local area, to meet, swap stories and enjoy a bacon butty.

There will be no charge to attend the club and breakfast with tea and coffee will be provided.

Veterans charities SSAFA and the Royal British Legion have pledged their support and the care home hopes the breakfast club will become a regular event in the community.