A PIONEERING housing project for single ex-service personnel in the region was officially opened yesterday.

Richmond MP William Hague attended a ceremony in the North Yorkshire town to mark the launch of The Galleries, near Catterick Garrison.

He was joined by representatives from the armed forces and residents at The Galleries to open the scheme by unveiling a plaque.

The project, which has been in operation for five months, provides vulnerable men and women leaving the armed services with a home, employment advice and training, to help them get a job and live an independent life.

The project works with the Single Persons' Accommodation Centre for Ex-Services, which acts as an accommodation agency for single personnel about to leave the forces.

It was set up two years ago in Catterick Garrison following Government research which suggested one in four people sleeping rough on the streets were former armed forces personnel.

Run by the local housing association, English Churches Group (ECG), The Galleries has provided help for 20 ex-service personnel, seven of whom have moved into permanent accommodation.

ECG's project manager, Trevor Morris, said: "We are really proud that Richmond is providing a blueprint for the rest of country in developing housing for people who have left the armed services."

The complex is in a former art gallery, which has been restored and refurbished into 13 self-contained flats. Residents can stay for up to 18 months.