A TEENAGER who was touched by the plight of a military veteran has set up a regular social event for former servicemen.

Max Holt, aged 19, who owns The Vintage Coffee Shop, in Worcester Road, Malvern, was set to hold the first event yesterday.

He has launched the weekly sessions after one of his customer's complained about the lack of local events for ex-armed forces personnel.

Mr Holt said: "A lot of people in Malvern don't have places to go.

"It's aimed mainly at ex-armed forces. They struggle more than normal people because they are usually lonelier when they get out [of the armed forces]."

The shop owner said the idea of a regular event was proposed by his 78-year-old customer Malcolm Porter.

"He lives in Malvern Link and comes in quite a bit. He asked for it to happen," Mr Holt said.

"He is ex-armed forces himself and he wants to meet others."

Another customer told Mr Holt that they knew three former servicemen in Malvern who would attend such an event.

Mr Holt said he felt sheltered when he compared his life with the experiences of ex-armed forces personnel.

Colin Hammond, chairman of the West Malvern Royal British Legion Club, said: "It is a very good idea.

"There are no other clubs apart from a Royal British Legion club in Colwall and one in Cradley.

"Having something at the bottom of the hill is quite good. It's a struggle, they can't travel out here.

"In the 1950s we had 300 members but now we only have 40. Only three are ex-armed forces."

The 87-year-old has been at the club for 64 years and became chairman four decades ago.

The coffee shop plans to host the events every Thursday from 2pm till 5pm.

Customers can buy alcohol, coffee and food at the social events.

Anyone who wants to attend the meetings can find out more on https://www.facebook.com/pg/malverncyclescoffeeshop/events/