People referred to a Keighley counselling and therapy organisation by a local veterans charity will not need to pay for treatment.

Extra support for former and serving members of the armed forces has been announced by Airevalley Counselling & Therapy (ACT), based in Skipton Road.

The agency shares its premises with the Keighley and Aire Valley division of SSAFA Forces Help (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association).

ACT service manager Lynn Fryer said her organisation’s service was not usually free and relied on a combination of fee-paying clients, funding from Bradford and Airedale Primary Care Trust and charitable donations.

However, she said it had decided to waive all charges for anyone referred by SSAFA.

“We strongly believe those who have served our country should have access to the help they need as soon as they need it,” she said.

“We’re not promising a magic wand, but we really hope that by working with SSAFA, we will help to improve the lives of veterans and their families.”