IT was banter over breakfast for a group of armed forces veterans on Saturday.

The first Veterans' Breakfast Club took place in Christchurch to provide a regular weekly gathering for former soldiers, sailors and airmen to chat, swap stories and rekindle the spirit of comradeship.

The group, which met up at the Iford Bridge pub, was set up by 48-year-old Paul Brady, from New Milton.

"I left the Army in 2008 having done 22 years," he said.

"I joined the Royal British Legion because I wanted give something back and to meet up with other veterans, but that hasn't really happened as the legion are mainly civilians."

There are now some 150 of these breakfast clubs around the country. Mr Brady found out about the scheme through social media, and decided it was exactly what he was looking for.

"When they leave the forces a lot of people miss the camaraderie and support for each other, and the sort of banter you get in the mess," he said.

"Hopefully we can encourage people who are suffering or feeling lonely, who are often happy to talk to other veterans about their issues but aren't so happy talking to other people."

From January, the group will meet on the first and third Saturday of the month at the Iford Bridge.

Mr Brady said the venue was ideal for its situation between Bournemouth and Christchurch. The nearest clubs otherwise are in Weymouth and Southampton.

He hopes the group will eventually become established enough to become more closely involved with the wider community.

Among the 10 or so veterans tucking into bacon and eggs at this first gathering was Dorset county councillor David Walsh, who served in the Royal Air Force and is the authority's member champion for the military.

"I wish there had been something like this when I came out of the service," said Cllr Walsh, 50, who travelled down from Gillingham.

"Like many I didn't quite fit in in civvy street. This is ideal for keeping people involved in the military family."

To find out more about the club search for Christchurch Veterans' Breakfast Club on Facebook.