Work starts on £18m Cottingham veterans' village

The development will provide housing and support for ex-service personnel and their families.

Work has started on the construction of an £18m veterans' village for former servicemen and women in East Yorkshire.

The 22-acre (8.90 hectares) Cottingham development, being led by Hull4Heroes charity, will provide housing for ex-service personnel and their families.

A ground-breaking ceremony was held at the site on Thursday.

Paul Matson, from the charity, said it was an "absolutely fantastic" moment for everyone involved.

Paul Matson said he was delighted that work was under way

He said the village would also provide training and support to help veterans transition to civilian life after leaving the forces.

The idea was first conceived about five years ago, with planning permission for the scheme granted in 2020.

However, Mr Matson said work had been delayed due to the Covid pandemic.

A ground-breaking ceremony was held at the site on Thursday

Commenting on the ground-breaking ceremony to mark the start of work commencing, Mr Matson said: "I feel fantastic - quite honestly I could jump in the air - I really, really could.

"It's a wonderful day and one we've been waiting for for about five years."

Veteran Mick Casey now volunteers with Hull4Heroes

Veterans will also get help with practical issues such as financial support.

Former soldier Mick Casey, a volunteer with Hull4Heroes, told BBC Look North: "It's difficult when you come back into civilian life because you know nothing.

"You don't know about mortgages, water rates, council tax and you've got to find yourself a job.

"Had there been somewhere like the veterans' village [when I left] we would have found out about things," he said.

His wife Kathy said transitioning to civilian life could be a difficult time for other family members.

"You lose your friends - the children lose their friends - it's a new beginning for everybody and it's frightening," she added.