A NEW drop-in centre for Southampton veterans opened to applause when a TV presenter cut the ribbon.

Sally Taylor said “everything starts with a cup of tea” when she officially opened the Woodley Road centre.

The facility will provide a “much-needed” place for veterans who need help, support or just a chat.

Housed in an under-used NHS clinic, the centre was the brainchild of Colin Gaylor, who spotted a need for veterans of all ages for somewhere to access services and get support – and had “a dream of a drop-in centre.”

He went about finding a home for the centre, which will provide basic services like a nurse and dentist – as well as volunteers on hand to give advice and a chat.

Working with Mr Gaylor on the project was Victor Thorn, who said: “Some veterans when they leave the military they are like a fish out of water. We have a nurse coming in once a month and we’re hoping to have a dentist come in as well.

“But we are there to signpost them to the right place if they need help. It’s the city’s only drop-in centre.”

Mr Gaylor added: “The building is up for sale – so we have to establish that it’s wanted and needed and going to be used. Hopefully some of the people here can help us find a permanent base.”

Southampton City Council leader Councillor Chris Hammond was there to offer his support, and said the council will “support the cause with promotions and publicity”.

Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith added: “It’s high time we did something for our military people. We have routinely failed them and asked them to do the most difficult things on our behalf.”

It will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.