HEROES who have served their country were given a Christmas treat thanks to kind donations from members of the public.

About 40 veterans gathered at Yates, Bradshawgate for a traditional meal, some drinks and even a Christmas present over the weekend.

The event was all made possible by cash donations and people sponsoring a meal and gave veterans a chance to meet and share memories.

Some of those who attended would have spent the festive period alone if it had not been for the efforts of Bolton Armed Forces Centre 4 Veterans (BAFC4V).

Members of the public were more than generous with their support and through a GoFundMe page and word of mouth, about £2,000 was raised for the event.

It meant £500 could be spent food to give the veterans a meal, £500 went behind the bar for drinks and another £1,000 was spent on making sure everyone got a present.

The party gave the people a chance to catch up with old friends or make new ones and share their experiences of war.

The event was organised by Scott Hawtrey and Cait Smith, from BAFC4V, who are both veterans.

Mr Hawtrey, who served in the Royal Engineers, said: “The idea was just to give veterans a bit of a Christmas do.

“Some of these guys are homeless or on their own. A lot of them will be spending Christmas Day on their own. We just thought it would be a good idea to get them together.

“We have raised a lot of money to get this on.”

Representatives of many branches of the Armed Forces were present and guests ranged from just 18-year-olds to some aged in their 90s who had served in the Second World War.

The centre is the first of its kind and opened last September to support veterans, in a bid to help them turn their lives around.

Speaking about why the meal and why it is important, Mr Hawtrey said: “I think veterans get forgotten about. This gives some of them a place to go. “

The meal wasn’t the first time Yates has supported the centre, and a breakfast club is held there every week.

This gives them a chance to meet and talk informally to like-minded people and gives the centre a chance to identify those who need help.

Some of the people attending the meal have been helped by the centre, including finding some of them a home or work.

Mr Hawtrey wanted to thank Yates for their help.

He said: “Yates have been fantastic. They really do support us.”

Among those who joined in the festivities was 65-year-old Phil Ashley, from Farnworth.

He served in the Army in the late 1960s and early 1970s and is one of many who enjoy the weekly breakfasts.

Speaking about the Christmas party, he said: “It is important for a lot of reasons. Getting the chance to come and speak to other ex-servicemen is nice.

“It is the way we can all just talk. We all know where the other person is coming from.

“Christmas can create problems for veterans for a number of reasons, so things like this help.”

He also wanted to pay tribute to Yates for the support they give Bolton in the town.

Mr Ashley said: “They have been wonderful. They have certainly done a lot for the centre. They have been supporting them since day one. They have been so good.”

As well as food, drink and presents, there were plenty more festive treats, including Santa hats and crackers to get everyone in the festive spirit.

There was a choice of prawn cocktail, pate or soup for starter followed by a traditional Christmas dinner.

For dessert it was a Christmas pudding to top off the afternoon.

The centre also works with Heroes for Hire, which trains up veterans to become skilled electricians, plumbers and other tradesmen in women and get them in to work.

The centre is based in Ashburner Street, opposite Bolton Market and both Mr Hawtrey and Miss Smith have put their own money into the project.

The scheme receives funding from Bolton Council, which also provides a rent-free base.

For veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, Christmas can be a difficult time when they are alone.

Often, those suffering from mental health problems can find it difficult to reach out so end up isolated.

Some suffer from anxiety and depression, meaning that while for many Christmas is a time for celebration, for them it can be a difficult time.

Without the party, Christmas just would have been another day for some veterans. But the public contribution demonstrated that people care about their situation. Other services provided by the centre include giving shoes so veterans can take part in a remembrance parade.

It also has helped to rehome some veterans who were living on the street.

The centre promotes the work of Combat Stress, the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health.

It has worked for almost a century with veterans, supporting them in dealing with issues such as trauma, anxiety and depression.

It provides support on the phone, online and in the community. It wants to raise awareness of invisible injuries and more can be found at www.combatstress.co.uk