An MP who once had a career in the military visited a community hub acting as a support service for veterans.

South Dorset MP Richard Drax, a former soldier, paid a visit to The Veteran’s Hub in Weymouth after hearing about the “invaluable service” it provides to veterans in need of support.

It was established last year by ex-Rifles soldier Andy Price, from Portland, who was concerned about the accessibility of mental health care to former troops in Dorset.

The hub offers support in a social environment without the pressure of intimate talks with a therapist.

Mr Drax spent an evening at the hub and talked to ex-troops and their families, who understand the concern of mental health issues among veterans.

He said: “I met the family of one ex-serviceman who had recently taken his own life. That was very moving.

“Andy is providing an invaluable service. An organisation such as this is needed because regrettably, despite the military covenant, soldiers who have served their country are falling through the safety net.”

“They say once a soldier, always a soldier. You never forget your time in the armed services and I immediately connected with them all.

“Having served their country in sometimes appalling conditions, I would like to see higher priority given to veterans with mental health issues.”

Andy said he doesn't believe there is another service similar to The Veteran's Hub locally.

He said: "Having support that works is really important and I think Mr Drax could see that.

"He spent a lot of time listening and talking to people, he's massively supportive. When he came back he said it was humbling."

Andy was also involved in getting a group of ex-serviceman together to sleep rough on the streets of Bournemouth at the start of the month, in aims to raise awareness of the number of veterans becoming homeless.

Mr Drax said he will continue to support the hub in its next venture to find a location which could potentially offer shelter and food to veterans sleeping on the streets.