A VITAL social group keeping those who served in the armed forces connected celebrated its ninth anniversary on Friday.

The Wee County Veterans marked nine years since being founded in 2015 with a get together with all its members.

Drawing in a group of 40 former armed forces members, the Veterans celebrated their birthday with a large buffet and social event.

Founder Jo Wilkinson spoke to the Advertiser and explained that this event meant a great deal to the veterans who attended, some of whom suffer from mental health issues since leaving the forces.

“This group means a tremendous amount,” Jo said. “Some of our veterans have PTSD, some have financial or grocery problems so for us to get everyone together, it means an awful lot.

“Friday is normally a meeting day so we’d usually have our get together then – we’d have a buffet and socialise.

“Everyone had a fantastic time, they were still talking about it in Duncan’s Den on the Monday.”

Around 40 veterans attended the get together, which was also visited by several local politicians.

Labour MP Brian Leishman stopped by, as did Keith Brown, who was also a founding member of the group, having spent a considerable amount of time in the armed forces.

Jo added: “When we started, I was told that if we could keep it going for a year, we’d be lucky.

“Here we are, nine years later still going strong.”

Anyone wishing to attend meetings for the Wee County Veterans can stop by Duncan’s Den on 58 Main Street, Sauchie.