A new telephone group has been set up to combat loneliness among veterans - and a representative of the group's organisers has shared an opportunity for ex-service personnel to volunteer in person.

The Camaraderie Club, run by Age Cymru Powys, takes place on the telephone every Wednesday from 2pm to 3pm, with all veterans welcome to enjoy "great banter" together - without ever having to leave the house.

Gwyneth Davies, veterans officer, said: “I’ve been working with ex-service personnel for four years at Age Cymru Powys and we wanted to support our veterans with loneliness and try and combat the problem.

"There are events for veterans in Powys but not everybody can get to them or join in due to disabilities, mobility issues, or transport.

"So we are grateful for funding from The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to connect veterans aged 50+ together.

"As a veteran myself, I started the group to assist primarily older veterans who do not have the opportunity to talk or socialise with other veterans, but who miss the camaraderie.

"It’s been very successful in bringing veterans in Powys together from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, but we would love to have more veterans call in and join us, either regularly or just occasionally when they fancy a chat.

"One member served over 30 years in the Royal Navy and was a submariner.

"He had some great stories to tell and the whole group were very interested and had a good laugh together about the tales.

"Another member had served in the more recent troubles including Northern Ireland, Falklands, Bosnia, and the Gulf War.

"This was very interesting to the older members of the group."

Gwyneth added: "For some veterans, loneliness can cause real distress.

"And that’s where we’re asking ex-service personnel to help, as many of our veterans would love to have someone with an Armed Forces background visit them at home for a cup of tea and a chat.

"Please get in touch with me if you’d like to show your support for our Powys veterans, as we can match you with a veteran with similar interests and background for a perfect fit."

A veteran is defined, by Age Cymru Powys at least, as anyone who has "served for at least one day in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve), or Merchant Mariners who have seen duty on legally defined military operations."

Those wishing to join the club, or to volunteer with a veteran in Powys, are invited to get in touch with Age Cymru Powys via phone on 01686 623707; or via email at enquiries@acpowys.org.uk

Age Cymru Powys's website is www.agecymru.org.uk/powys, and its address is Age Cymru Powys, Old Warehouse, Parkers Lane, Newtown, Powys, SY16 2LT