Burnley MP pledges support to flagship project that will offer vital help for veterans

Antony Higginbotham said he was 'awestruck' by the commitment and determination of the team at Healthier Heroes which will officially open next month.

Mr Higginbotham said: "Veterans have given so much in service to this country and it's right that we repay it.

"Projects like Healthier Heroes are a major part of that, creating a safe and secure place where those who have fallen on hard times can go, whilst also providing somewhere for our community groups to meet.”

“The team are doing a fantastic job and I'll do as much as I can to support them.”

Spearheaded by former soldier and Burnley man Andrew Powell, Healthier Heroes will be based in one of the town's most historic buildings in the town. And the former town hall in Elizabeth Street is to be named Bancroft House in honour of Lance Corporal Jordan Dean Bancroft who was killed in action 10 years ago.

The launch is the fulfillment of a dream for Andrew who began the project in Wigan two years ago.

He always wanted to bring the scheme to his hometown and now the Burnley base will be the flagship for Healthier Heroes that will reach out to ex soldiers across Lancashire to help take them on the journey from rock bottom to getting back on their feet.

The project will officially open on Saturday, December 5th, and Andrew revealed he has already received 17 referrals from across the county.