A TEAM of volunteers from the newly opened Royal British Legion pop-in centre are looking forward to supporting the region’s former servicemen.

The office, in Regent Street, opens to the public today after an official launch yesterday. The armed forces charity hopes the centre will be a big benefit to those looking for help after completing their service.

People from across Swindon will help to man the unit between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Volunteer Michael Aldridge said: “We want to be seen as a signpost for those who have finished their service and don’t know what to do next.

“It doesn’t matter what the problem is; we can help as we are here to serve those who have served us.”

Fellow volunteer Callie Neil said: “I’m pleased to help as this is something close to my family.

“I had a great granddad and two great uncles who were killed during the Great War. My cousin has served with the RAF for 10 years and is looking to join the army.”

The legion is undergoing its biggest transformation in its 93-year history, resulting in a complete change in how it delivers its frontline services as it attempts to make things easier for the armed forces community to access much-needed support.

Sixteen new community hubs have opened across the country, with mayor Teresa Page cutting the ribbon at the Swindon facility.

She said: “I think it is great that Swindon is involved in something like this as we are an active part of the region’s armed forces representation.

“It will be great for those who need support to have a place to visit and it was an honour to open it.”

The charity provides care and support to all members of the armed forces, past and present, and their families. Its work is funded through annual events such as the Poppy Appeal. At yesterday’s opening visitors enjoyed a slices of cake in the shape of poppies.

Alistair Maxwell, the Legion’s area manager for Somerset and Wiltshire, said: “The Royal British Legion was established to help those returning from the First World War.

“A century on from the start of that conflict the Legion’s role remains as contemporary and as vital as it has ever been supporting today’s generation of armed forces families and veterans. This new centre will allow us to provide help and advice to the armed forces community how and when they need it, helping them live on independently.

“We know the total number of the armed forces community is set to decline, yet the demand for Legion support is predicted to increase, as the population ages and our beneficiaries’ needs become more complex. Through our welfare work we can help the British armed forces, veterans and their families to live a more hopeful future.”

To find out more, visit www.britishlegion.org.uk.