Armed Forces veterans enjoy Lancaster to Glasson walk

FirstLight Trust organised a veterans walk from its café on Market Street in Lancaster to Glasson Dock.

The Port of Lancaster kindly offered to pay for lunch for the group, which was eaten at the Quayside Café.

Three port commissioners welcomed the group, and chatted to the veterans.

The Smokehouse at Glasson Dock also gave the veterans a discount voucher to use in their shop.

The veterans walked back to Lancaster and met back at the café to reflect on the walk.

Bridget Green, support and activities caseworker at the trust, said: "FirstLight Trust cannot thank The Port of Lancaster, the Quayside Café and the Smokehouse for their hospitality and generous donation of lunch.

"The food was absolutely beautiful and so delicious, and the café staff could not do enough to make the veterans welcome and comfortable.

"The weather was perfect, dry with blue skies, and lots of photos were taken to remember the lovely day.

"We all had such a lovely day."

The link up with the port took place after a chance encounter in the Firstlight cafe.

Maggie Stainton, who is a commissioner at the port, was told about the planned walk during a stop-off at the FirstLight cafe one day, and offered to see if she could organise a contribution towards lunches - which was supported by all the commissioners, who offered to cover the cost.

And so, on December 3, 15 veterans and two dogs completed the walk.

The CEO and chairman of the Port Commission were pleased to meet the walkers when they arrived at the café.

CEO Elsabe White said it was great to be able to support FirstLight Trust as well as a local business in the village.

FirstLight Trust supports Armed Forces veterans as well as those who worked with the emergency services and those due to leave the forces, and their families.

They operate across the UK, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you are a UK veteran living overseas they can also help.

The charity's café hubs are at high street locations in Gosport, Hawick, Hereford and Scarborough as well as Lancaster.