A CHARITY helping veterans was delighted when its hard work was recognised with a prestigious Royal British Legion award.

Veterans in Communities was founded in 2012 and works with armed forces veterans and emergency services personnel to assist them to return, belong and prosper in their own communities.

The team, based at the VIC Centre in Bury Road, Haslingden, was selected by The Royal British Legion Greater Manchester and Lancashire Area Team to win the coveted Third Sector Award.

It was presented at a glittering evening at the Village Hotel Bury.

VIC Operations Manager Bob Elliott said: “We were nominated alongside our good friends Dig In North West and Sale Sharks Rugby Club, both organisations that do a tremendous amount of good work for veterans.

“It is an honour that our organisation was selected as the winner and I would like to thank whoever put our business forward for the award.”

The citation reads: “Veterans In Communities is one of the many brilliant grass roots organisations that we work with.

“What sets it apart is its commitment to community and the reintegration of veterans into civilian society.

“VIC offers a wide range of programmes that bring people together, develop skills and provide support and their staff and volunteers are enthusiastic, committed and have a real belief in their work.

“When you visit VIC you can feel the family environment and the sense of positivity from everyone there and that can only be a good thing for veterans who feel that they need help taking the next step.”

VIC was previously a finalist in Working Together category of the national Soldiering On Awards and joint winner in the Community Business category of Rossendale Business Awards.

Bob added: “It is wonderful that the hard work and dedication of VIC and our members is being recognised locally, regionally and nationally.”