THE Chepstow and District Division of the UK's oldest armed forces charity SSAFA will be out in force on the streets of Chepstow and Caldicot Tuesday 12th May, collecting for local heroes.

SSAFA provides lifelong support for our forces and their families. Each year the charity helps many, many local people in our area and 50,000 nationally. They range from serving personnel to widows, from wives to young families and from disabled to the very elderly.

SSAFA volunteers and Riflemen from 1 RIFLES will be collecting at Chepstow High Street, Co-op, Budgens, TESCO, LIDL, together with Caldicot, Pwlmeyric Garden Centre, Sedbury and Magor Services between 9.30am and 3.30pm. All the money raised will be spent supporting members of the local military community.

Commander Christopher WILSON, Head of the SSAFA Chepstow & District Division, commented "These funds are vital if SSAFA is to continue to support those who have served their country and ensure that they are not disadvantaged by their service. We are finding that our cases are becoming increasingly complex with younger veterans coming forward for help in greater numbers. We offer a range of support from practical and financial assistance to emotional care and befriending."

If you would like to know more about how SSAFA can help you or someone you know, or if you'd like to volunteer, please get in touch at [email protected]">[email protected] or 01291 624641 or visit http://www.ssafa.org.uk">www.ssafa.org.uk.