AN ex-serviceman has created a breakfast club in Braintree for veterans to talk about their experiences.

The breakfast club, created by Andy Harban-Ridler, 45, had its first meeting on Saturday at the White Hart Hotel in Bocking End.

Mr Harban-Ridler, a business development manager of Church Meadows, in Bocking, wanted to provide a place to talk for those who have served in the Armed Forces.

He said: “The meetings are extremely beneficial to some veterans who may have effects of PTSD or circumstances that they might be too proud to discuss with anyone.

“Within the groups we have a friendly atmosphere which is less stressful and people can just chat about their problems.

“It’s a great place to meet new friends.”

Mr Harban-Ridler served as part of the Royal Signals, and left in 1997 having spent time in Northern Ireland and in Iraq during the First Gulf War.

He said: “The first meeting was fantastic. It was a tremendous success.

I was really pleased.

“The White Hart in Braintree has been tremendous in supporting us.

They let us have the room for free and have a discounted breakfast.

“At the moment, we meet monthly and the plan is to meet on the first Saturday of the month.

“We had people come from Southend, Colchester, Braintree and Rayne. So far the group is men in our 40s. Some are a bit older or younger.

“The meetings aren’t specific, they support anybody that’s served in the Armed Forces, their spouses or relatives.

“They have to deal with their partners being away, injured or even suffering from PTSD.

“We raised £65 while we were there on Saturday for Soldiers off the Street. I was expecting people to just chuck a couple of pounds in but they put a lot more in.”

Search for Braintree Breakfast Club on Facebook for more information.