New mental health service for veterans

A new service has been launched to help former members of the armed services in the North East cope with mental health problems.

There are about 200,000 veterans living in the region, many suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.

The Veterans' Wellbeing Assessment and Liaison Service has set up a helpline for those finding it difficult to adjust to life outside the Army.

They can now call the helpline and be put in touch with professionals.

A spokesman for the service said: "One in four people can experience mental health problems in their lives, and those who have been in the armed forces are no exception to this.

"Veterans can be at an increased risk due to the difficulties that they sometimes face transferring from military to civilian life."