DEWSBURY MP Shahid Malik will host a reception to honour armed forces veterans in Dewsbury and Mirfield.

Mr Malik will be joined by the veterans minister Derek Twigg at the event at Dewsbury Town Hall on July 12 (11am - 1pm).

The MP said he wanted young and old alike to come along and show their gratitude.

Mr Malik, who is patron of the Royal British Legion, said: “Those who have served and those who continue to do so should have our deepest respect and gratitude.

“Veterans should be immensely proud of the contribution they have made to the security of our country. A security that allows all of us to live our lives in freedom, something we all too often take for granted, but is purchased at a high price by our surviving veterans and those who serve so bravely today.”

On Wednesday Kirklees Council authorised £200,000 extra cash for mental health services, a portion of which will be used to treat former members of the armed forces with combat stress and other disorders. This follows the Honour the Covenant campaign by the Royal British Legion.

Since 2004 the government has issued nearly 600,000 Armed Forces Veterans Badges.

In 2007 a Veterans’ Badge was introduced for Bevin Boys. More than 4000 have already been issued.