A NEW charity shop has opened in Hereford which aims to be a hub to support veterans.

Firstlight Trust opened its doors on Broad Street last week and offers a place for former members of the armed and emergency services somewhere to sit and talk to others in the same situation.

It's the charity's sixth shop to open nationwide and so far the Hereford branch has been growing in popularity.

Hub leader Sian Walshe said: "Things are going well, we're getting busier and busier through word of mouth. The number of army veterans through the door are going up, and blue lights veterans as well.

"We're the sixth hub to open nationwide as far as up to Scotland. From the front it looks like a coffee shop and charity shop.

"There's no wifi or music, it feels like home and it encourages people to talk to others or they can just sit quietly and reflect. The hub co-ordinator takes of care of veterans who need help.

"The hub is the bread and butter, how it's being funded."

Various dignitaries attended the opening ceremony on June 13, including the Mayor of Hereford Kath Hey.

The charity work with organisations such as local housing associations, The Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes to try and help veterans with housing, finances and writing CVs to get people back into work.