VETERANS of the armed forces are being offered woodland therapy under a scheme to help them overcome the effects of post-traumatic stress.

The Green Skills Project, run by the charity Combat Stress, will help men and women whose mental health has suffered as a result of conflict, through learning skills such as building huts, wood working and wood sculpture.

The project is based at the leading mental health charity's Hollybush House retreat in Ayrshire and aims to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of veterans. It will be delivered by East Ayrshire Woodlands and teaches veterans woodwork skills as they create and design benches, fencing, a rustic cabin, wood carvings and sculptures.

The project has been incorporated into the charity's PTSD Intensive Treatment Programme and will use materials and wood sourced from the surrounding areas to create the woodwork products. Activities will be adapted to suit the skills and physical limitations of veterans.

Combat Stress UK is currently helping more than 5,600 ex-service men and women - more than at any time in the charity's history. This includes 945 veterans who served in Afghanistan and 1,160 who served in Iraq. The youngest veteran is just 18 years old.

Frank, one of the veterans who took part in the project, said: "I think the Green Skills concept works so well because it brings you together as a team.

"It has taught me that discussing a problem or issue is not a sign of weakness, but that it's a sign of inner strength and confidence to accept help and advice."

Lee Watson, Occupational Therapy Lead at Hollybush House, said: "I have never seen the veterans more active, in terms of both social interaction and their enthusiasm, as I have since we implemented the Green Skills Project."