A PROBATION officer has won royal recognition for his work to support veterans.

Alan Lilly, aged 55, received a commendation from Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace for helping to ensure veterans are given necessary support after being arrested.

The Lymm resident, who was watched by 16-year-old son Thomas at the ceremony, said: “It was an amazing experience.

“We were made to feel special from the start.

“When I went up to the stage I was very conscious to not trip up.”

The former soldier of 16 years suggested a system that means anyone arrested is asked if they, or immediate family, have served in the Armed Forces.

If their time in service has contributed towards committing crimes, they are given advice on where to get help, or referred to other services such as the NHS or housing agencies.

That system is now used across the country.

The father-of-two said deciding if support is needed as veterans can be a wide range of ages with different issues that need addressing.

“The term veterans is misleading,” said Alan.

“We aren’t just talking about the old man walking past the Cenotaph - research shows that 75 per cent of veterans are aged 26 or under.

“Anyone who has served for one day is a veteran.

“For some to go from military culture to civilian culture is very challenging.

“That can mean ending up in the criminal justice system.

“Some do not have family, or a home, or have a lot of debt.

“There are also issues around anger management and alcohol misuse.”

After leaving the army in 1992, Alan found finding work in Warrington difficult as ‘there wasn’t much around for a tank commander’.

He worked as a prison officer at Thorn Cross YOI, before moving to Cheshire Probation Trust.

Alan has now joined Live At Ease, a charity commissioned by the NHS to provide support to veterans on housing, employment, debt, relationships and welfare.

He added: “It was lovely to get recognition but this is about the process continuing to make sure this group of individuals who are often quite vulnerable are recognised and given support.”

If you are a veteran, or know someone who needs help, call Live At Ease on 0808 123 1 123 or go to liveat-ease.org.uk