A SPECIALIST recruitment consultant is to be based at Catterick Garrison in an effort to get wounded and injured soldiers back into the world of work.

The move has been funded by insurer Lloyds as part of a 'Wounded to Work' project instigated by ABF, The Soldier's Charity, which was formerly the Army Benevolent Fund.

Soldiers will be given bespoke support to ensure they get back into civilian work if they are no longer able to serve.

Interviews for the new post are taking place this week and an appointment is due to be made soon.

Similar appointments have already been made in Tidworth, Wiltshire and Colchester, Essex, both also large garrison towns, following a £135,000 grant from Lloyds.

Michael Hardingham, chairman of Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund, which has donated more than £2m to military charities since 2000, said: “The Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund has been providing support for our heroes for more than 200 years.

"We are extremely pleased to continue that support by helping to fund this vital programme.”

Colonel Paul Cummings, director of grants and welfare at ABF, said: "Talking to the soldiers themselves, many who have suffered appalling injuries, they are consistent in saying what a fantastic resource this is and what a difference it makes to be supported by specialists that can see beyond the injury to the potential beyond.”