A breakfast club for veterans is holding its first ever gathering to give the chance for military members to get together and share their experiences.

George Woodward, 55, of Chadwell Heath, recently recovered from prostate cancer and set the up The Romford Veterans Breakfast Club after hearing about positive experiences at other clubs.

The club will meet monthly and give former and current armed force recruits the chance to socialise with others who have had similar experiences during their time serving.

Mr Woodward suffers from Chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after serving nearly 14 years in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

He said: “Many of the members find the breakfast club empowers them to deal with their demons, which they have been fighting since they got out.

“In my experience, a good many guys didn’t have too much of a problem until they left, and somehow mixing with guys that know what they are talking about helps them to cope, and they are supported.”

The first Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club was set up in 2007 by Dereck Hardman RE and there are now clubs across the UK, France, Germany and Bosnia Herzegovina.

The Romford Veterans Breakfast Club meets on the first Saturday of every month, starting tomorrow at 9.30am in Jacksons Café, High Street, Romford.