Armed forces veterans and serving servicemen and women are invited to enjoy tea, coffee and cake at the Armed Forces Drop-In Centre at Winton House in Petersfield High Street.

Centre spokesman Lesley Farrow said: “Its aim is to provide a place where veterans and serving military personnel and their family members can drop in and meet friends, old and new, in a relaxed atmosphere. 

“After the Falklands war we became more aware of the effects on the military of post-traumatic stress and its long-term effect on the families. 

“Since then we have been involved in many conflicts in the Balkans, Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan, and all these conflicts have put immense pressure on serving personnel and their families.

“The drop-in offers help and support to the military community and their families, enabling them to contact those who can really help or advise them.

“We have a direct link with SSAFA, Help for Heroes, the Forces Employment Agency and the Veterans Outlook in Portsmouth to name just a few of our contacts.”

The drop-in centre was launched last November by Petersfield Town Council (see photo above) and meets on the first Thursday of every month.

The next meeting is on Thursday, March 2, from 4pm to 8pm.