ORGANISERS of Keighley's first Airedale Veterans' Breakfast Club gathering have hailed the event as a "brilliant success".

Andy Spence of Keighley Armed Forces Association (KAFA), organised the occasion, which took place last month (Nov) at the JD Wetherspoon Livery Rooms, in North Street.

The Keighley-based breakfast club is part of a UK network of clubs linked to the Veterans Breakfast Club organisation.

A KAFA spokesman said: "There were 24 veterans and serving personnel present. The Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force were represented, and most of those there had links with local regiments.

"The staff at the Livery Rooms made everyone welcome and gave great service – so a big 'thank you' to them from all the veterans who attended.

"Major Allen, of HQ 4th Infantry Brigade, was our special guest, and he addressed the group on the importance of ongoing support for armed forces veterans from the army, local government, the NHS, and groups such as KAFA.

"We were fortunate to have Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, who is Bradford Council's Armed Forces Champion, speak to us about his work towards ensuring the Military Covenant is honoured in our area.

"KAFA chairman Luke Davison spoke about his objective of growing the breakfast club as a means of providing access to the support that KAFA can give to local veterans.

"There was a focus on the mental wellbeing of veterans, especially those who've recently left the military."

The next Airedale Veteran’s Breakfast Club will be on December 10, at 10am at The Livery Rooms, Keighley.