A veteran who struggled to return to civilian life after being diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has set up a new breakfast club to support service personnel.

Stewart Bayford, of Maldon, has created Maldon Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club, which will meet at the town's Black Rabbit pub, in High Street, every Saturday morning at 10.30am.

Mr Bayford, 48, was diagnosed with PTSD after spending five years in the army, touring Northern Ireland twice and fighting in the first Gulf War.

He says after his diagnosis he struggled to come to terms with his condition and it had a big affect on his home life.

"I was in the Royal Artillery and the light infantry so I was right in the thick of things," Mr Bayford said.

"I left the army in 1993 and there was nothing there for me whatsoever.

"Two marriages ended because of my condition and every job I have had since I have been made redundant or been sacked from.

"I have struggled to deal with stress in every job. The PTSD completely ruined my life.

"I know from my experience the importance of something like this breakfast club."

Mr Bayford admits the group will be "more than just breakfast" and hopes it will provide a lifeline for ex-service personnel based in the area, particularly those who are struggling with life after leaving the forces.

He said: "The point of the breakfast club is to get veterans out of bed and talking.

"The biggest reason there are so many suicides amongst veterans is they feel they have no one to talk to.

"We do have a different mindset and sometimes we cannot share our stories or frustrations with our loved ones easily.

"The beauty of something like this is you get to meet and talk to people with the same experiences as you.

"If you know there are others out there like you and you are able to talk to them, it helps."

Serving military personnel are also invited to attend the weekly meet ups, which are free of charge bar the cost of a breakfast, butty or hot drink at the pub.

Mr Bayford said: "The pub was really keen to get involved as soon as I approached them.

"It doesn't matter whether you are 80-years-old or 20-year-old we will welcome you along. You are not going to be judged."

The first meet up takes place at the pub on Saturday, December 8.

For more information, email maldon@afvbc.com or visit www.facebook.com/groups/maldonafvbc.