A FORMER army veteran is looking for new recruits to join his ranks at a retreat which supports soldiers who are battling PTSD.

Paul Marriott, 48, who was born in Blackburn and now lives on River Road, Thornton, served in the military between 1986 and 1999 and recently used his pension to purchase three-and-a-half acres of woodland on the banks of the River Ribble near BAE.

Over the last year or so, Paul has been working the woods to turn it into a safe retreat, which has been named called Belisama Retreat, for those battling PTSD.

Post-traumatic stress disorder can occur following a life-threatening event like military combat and terrorist incidents and Paul said is widespread among ex-servicemen who have served in the armed forces.

People who suffer from PTSD often experience nightmares, flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, and feel emotionally numb.

Paul, who served in the army for 14 years in Germany, Gibraltar, France and Cyprus, said: “The woodlands have always been an escape for me.

"Soldiers in this country endure PTSD go through depression and some feel let down by society.

"They would rather live on the land or on the street because they do not feel they can be a part of society.

"The Americans are years ahead of this country with regards to the treatment of PTSD and respect for serving and ex-soldiers.

"Spending time outside in the woodlands is good therapy because it's back to basics and relaxing the mind.

"I named the retreat Belisama because she is known as the goddess of the River Ribble.

"Since I started few of my past colleagues have helped volunteer and said it's both wonderful and just what they need."

The retreat is being run by veterans 'for veterans' but is also there for local groups like cadets, organised community youth groups, to be taught bushcraft and shown the abundant wildlife there.

There are many planned projects for veterans to help with their recovery at the retreat including, building badger and otter viewing huts, teepee construction, bronze age hut and tree house's and fishing.

Jason Miller, 46, who was born in Newcastle and now lives near Salisbury, served in the same reserve unit as Paul during the Cold War in Germany in the 1980s.

Following the Cold War he went on to fight in Northern Ireland, the first Gulf War and Afghanistan War before he left service in 2010.

Mr Miller, who has served in the armed forces for 25 years, said the retreat was a 'fantastic' idea.

He said: “I have gone through PTSD.

“I think what Paul has done is absolutely fantastic and really helpful as well because you can do anything at your own pace.

"You do not have to conform to set rules which is good.

“I’m thinking about setting one up in the south that's how much I like the idea."

To donate any items or money to Paul's cause visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/belisamas-retreat-1