Each month veterans from across West Cumbria gather in Workington for a meeting which they describe as a "godsend".

The West Cumberland Royal Engineers Association is made up of members who have all served in the Corps of Royal Engineers.

Ages range from young men in their 20s to a 99-year-old D-Day veteran.

The branch has managed to establish a strong fellowship among members where all ages are able to mix and socialise together.

Secretary Paul Gaitskell said the drive for the branch is that "we understand" and members have all experienced similar situations in their military careers.

Paul, who has served in Afghanistan, Iraq and Northern Ireland, stumbled across the branch by accident while he was out in Workington.

He said he recognised a plaque for the Royal Engineers on the wall of Workington Veterans Club and enquired about it at the bar.

He was told it was just "three men and his dog" who meet on a Friday night. That was five years ago - when the branch was on the verge of closure due to lack of interest.

But with injected enthusiasm from a new branch committee and through engaging with young veterans, the branch has experienced "a real influx of members" and now boasts a membership of nearly 50 veterans.

It has adopted a modern approach to a Veterans Association rather than the perception of old men in regimental ties and blazers.

Paul said: "We want to modernise the way it's done - we want young lads wearing jeans and trainers. We don't want it to be old men just sitting telling war stories.

"There is a relaxed dress code at meetings with the focus being on camaraderie and support, with current welfare issues regarding PTSD affecting young veterans a great focus."

He added that there was no rank structure within the branch.

Members have vast operational experiences ranging from the Falklands War, first Gulf War, Balkans, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.

They come from all over the West Cumbria area, spreading as far south to Thornhill and as north to Wigton, with all making the effort to meet up each month for branch meetings.

Brian McMullen, 64, of Workington has been a member since he left the army and has been coming to meetings regularly for the last three years.

He used to work as a builder and later as a doorman at Level 2 and Chasers in Workington, but had to give up work when he was taken ill.

Brian said: "I came once and I just carried on coming and it's brilliant. It's the companionship and the crack.

"Once I finished work I was just sitting at home. It's been a godsend.

"We just catch up and have a a laugh and a pint. If you've got a problem, whatever it is, they're always there. It's brilliant, it really is. We wind each other up and it's just a laugh.

"Now it's picking up and there's more of us on a regular basis. Age is not a problem - it's like you're all back in the army - you all just get on and you can depend on them for anything at all. We'll meet up together like we haven't been apart.

"It is a different thing to having civvy mates - being with ex-soldiers, it's so different. Nobody's better than anyone - you're just all in it together."

Andrew Hughes, 54, of Thornhill, served in the army for nine years and joined the branch in 1996.

He said: "I was diagnosed with PTSD in 2007 as a consequence of being in the Falklands.

"Meeting with a group of people who have been in the same scenarios - it alleviates all the stress. Everybody understands that camaraderie.

"We've spent a lot of time trying to reignite the branch and now we've built it up. We intentionally keep it low key - we can sit and have a drink and a crack.

"We actively encourage Sappers of all ages. The age range is fantastic - the difference in stories and tales and experiences and hearing what the young lads endured in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"It's a good mix and everyone bounces off each other. You look forward to the meetings every month."

Andrew also urged other veterans in the area to "walk through the door".

"It's the hardest thing for anyone to do but we'll give them a warm welcome," he said.

Members take part in various social activities including an annual trip to London for the army vs navy rugby match at Twickenham, a walk up Great Gable on Remembrance Day and collecting for the annual Poppy Appeal.

Paul now wants to reach out to others who have served in the Royal Engineers.

He said: "There is a Sapper community alive and kicking in the area and if required the branch can provide help for them."

Anyone interested in joining should email: wcrea1952@gmail.com