WAR heroes across Worcestershire are going to benefit from a project launched by the police and crime commissioner, it has emerged.

John Campion, who was elected to the role at May's elections, is backing a £300,000 scheme to keep them away from crime.

Some £299,840 of taxpayers' cash is being sunk into the 'Remember Veterans' initiative offering counselling, a helpline, access to training and employment support.

It comes after data from the Home Office revealed how 3.5 per cent of Britain's prison population have a background in the armed forces.

Many veterans find themselves suffering from mental health issues, alcohol and drug abuse, and other problems stemming from a lack of work.

Mr Campion says the cash will last two years, helping address the downward spiral some ex-army workers face.

The funding is coming from the national Armed Forces Covenant, a Government-backed initiative.

Mr Campion said: "Military personnel dedicate their careers to protecting our country, so it's absolutely right we show the same dedication to them once they leave the forces.

"This funding from will help ensure veterans across West Mercia get better help to reintegrate into civilian society, and avoid the potential for repeat offending and a life spent inside the criminal justice system."

Worcester war veteran Doug Padgett, 58, a former member of the Royal Army Medical Corps, of Hathaway Close, Dines Green said: "He is absolutely right about this.

"As soon as you mention you're a war veteran to all sorts of organisations, things seem to go slowly - it's almost as though they are scared of helping you.

"If you dig into the figures I'm sure you'll find around 30 per cent of homeless people these days have an armed forces past.

"Even now, from Iraq more people have killed themselves than been killed in combat, it's very complicated and mental health is a big issue.

"Many of the veterans have been involved in multi-impact events, there is a need for advocacy for these people."

The scheme is being run in conjunction with Warwickshire Police, where its current commissioner Philip Seccombe has spent more than 25 years with the Territorial Army.

"I'm all too aware of the difficulties servicemen and women can experience in adjusting to civilian life once their military career has ended," he said.

"For some it can be a downwards spiral, leaving them both vulnerable to becoming victims of crime and also to becoming an offender."