A GROUP of veterans have joined forces to improve the lives of communities around West Yorkshire.

Veterans In Need Together - known widely as VINT - started out as a support group which gave veterans a safe space to discuss their traumas and similar experiences.

Conversations and friendships sparked by cups of tea led the group on a search for a renewed sense of purpose.

In the past five months alone, the veterans have led litter picks, volunteered with the Poppy Appeal, and even tidied up an elderly veterans' garden.

Now the group has issued a call for more veterans to help them bring their community efforts to more places.

VINT, which is based in Morley, has urged veterans from the Bradford district and wider West Yorkshire area to reach out.

VINT also runs a monthly breakfast club and social events for veterans and their families.

A spokesperson for the group said: "As our friendship and sense of brotherhood grew we know together we could help our local communities whilst regaining the pride lost. When you're in the forces, if you walk in to a shop or stop at a petrol station in your uniform, the way people look at you is the most incredible feeling and when you leave you lose that. We can help veterans regain that feeling through helping our local community."

VINT is the sister group to Men in Need Together - or MINT - which takes place at Morley Fire Station from 7pm every Wednesday evening.

For more information visit VINT's dedicated Facebook page.