Armed Forces veterans have enjoyed a Christmas get-together as part of an award-winning project at Morecambe Football Club.
The event was held on Wednesday as part of the monthly coffee mornings run by the club's Community Foundation.
The three-year-old project to help local veterans won a North West Football Award and an EFL League 2 award this year.
Stuart Glover, Chief Executive Officer of Morecambe FC Community Foundation and Tony Brankin, the club's new Veterans Project Officer, told Beyond Radio that the aim of the scheme is to help the 5000 Armed Forces veterans in North Lancashire.
LISTEN to our interview with Stuart Glover and Tony Brankin
"The project is to engage with the veterans' community, find out who they are, where they are and what we can do to support their general health and well-being," said Stuart.
"It's about getting the veterans in, getting them comfortable, having conversations over a brew and a bacon butty, and then if there are any needs that need to be looked at, then Tony and the Foundation are there to support them.
"For the older boys and girls, it's about reducing the social isolation some of them may have. It gives them a safe space to come and meet like-minded people."
Tony, who began in his role in October after 37 years in the British Army, said: "My aim is to reach out to the veterans across the community, find out where they are and what they want.
"There will be veterans who aren't here today because they can't get here. So we're going to be putting on a virtual coffee morning every Friday.
"I'm also looking to offer my services 1-2-1 (to veterans) to help them with IT and digital skills, so they can get online.
"I'm also hoping to get a team together for the Morecambe Crown Green Bowling league."
One of the first events in 2025 will take place before Morecambe FC vs Fleetwood Town League 2 game on February 1.
Thirty Forces veterans - 15 from each locality - will walk the 24 miles from Fleetwood's ground to the Mazuma Mobile Stadium.
The Morecambe FC Community Foundation carries out extensive work in schools; partners with local agencies, charities and organisations; supports government initiatives promoting health and well-being and holds sessions targeted at groups with special needs or from socially deprived areas.
If you would like to get involved, see the Morecambe FC Community Foundation website HERE.
Here are photos from Wednesday's event in JB's Bar at the club, attended by Great Britain wheelchair rugby gold medallist Stuart Robinson MBE, and including music from local singer Melanie Horabin.
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