ARMED forces veterans have started on a project in Leominster which will see them help build ones that could be their own.

The plan is to bring 19 brand new homes to the area, a mixtures of flats and houses, which will all be available for rent.

A number of the homes will also be exclusively for ex-service personnel, housing association Stonewater has said.

The company will be working with Community Self Build Agency, now part of supported housing provider Alabaré, and The Royal British Legion to deliver the community build development at Waterworks Lane in Leominster, Herefordshire.

Up to nine veterans, who will all receive training and support, will work alongside Stonewater's local contractor at the development. When built, the veterans can then rent one of the homes.

Matthew Crucefix, assistant director of Development (west), said: "At Stonewater our commitment to providing everyone with a place they can call home is at the core of everything we do.

"In Herefordshire, there is a large armed forces presence and so there is a constant need for veteran accommodation.

"We're proud to lead the way alongside our community partners and show other organisations how important schemes like this are for the wider community.

"We hope to inspire others to take on similar projects in other areas of the country with similar challenges."

Herefordshire Council is supporting the scheme, which should help to provide veterans with skills needed for jobs in the future.

Coun Barry Durkin said: "We are committed to supporting local veterans across Herefordshire and this new self-build partnership with Stonewater and Alabaré is a great opportunity to provide more affordable housing for veterans.

"This scheme not only provides much needed homes but will also provide the veterans with the training and skills needed to not only help build their own homes and but hopefully also gain future employment."