A cabinet minister has praised the work of an East Lancashire centre which supports ex-service personnel.

Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt was speaking when she visited Veterans in Communities in Haslingden last week, accompanied by Hyndburn MP Sara Britcliffe and Rossendale Councillor Laura Beth Thompson.

She shared a cup of team with staff and veterans and toured the centre.

The charity provides help to ex-service personnel and their families, including mental health and wellbeing support, education and training opportunities, and employment advice.

It also offers a range of social activities and events.

Ms Mordaunt said: “It was fantastic to see all the work Veterans In Communities do across Hyndburn and Rossendale.

“From speaking to staff and having a brew with veterans I really got a sense of just how important the group is for the local area.

“This has always been a subject close to my heart both from my time as secretary of state for defence, and prior to politics setting up the Veterans Reunited programme."

Backbench Conservative MP Mss Britcliffe said: “I have worked with the team at Veterans in Communities closely since I was elected in 2019 and have seen their work in both Accrington and Haslingden on several occasions.

"It is always inspiring to hear staff talk about the work they do and hear from the veterans themselves how big a role the charity has played in their lives following their Armed Forces career.

"Veterans in Communities work with our brave ex-servicemen and women is a credit to our area.”