A welfare centre and shop for ex-servicemen and women, which is the first of its kind in the UK, opened its doors on Saturday.

The Brian Lyons Welfare Centre, in Marine Parade, Sheerness, is named in honour of the late Island fundraising stalwart.

The former Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) case worker’s widow, Barbara, attended the opening and helped cut a ribbon.

It is hoped the hub will provide support with housing, employment and essential goods for former armed services personnel and their families.

The official unveiling raised £1,752 for the UK Homes 4 Heroes centre. UK Homes 4 Heroes aims to raise awareness of the plight of homeless ex-servicemen.

Attractions included a tank, a personnel carrier, a military ambulance and a display from The Royal British Legion’s Green Hackle Pipe Band.

There were appearances from London pearly kings and queens from Bermondsey, Highgate and Mile End.

The Psychotic Chicken Motorcycle Club, which is made up of former servicemen, rode from Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.

Iain Maxstead, Kent director for UK Homes 4 Heroes, said: “The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) will be using the area along with nursing staff who will be coming in to offer medical advice.”

The site is open to anyone from the UK and will also help them with things like housing, job applications and food.

Mr Maxstead added: “The idea is moving them from their normal circle. It is a way of relocating people to an area where they have an opportunity to break habits that they are not able to where they currently are.

“It is open to ex-servicemen to have a cup of tea and a chat with a few old soldiers.”

He also hopes there will be scope for the shop and the Brian Lyons Centre to employ ex-soldiers as either staff or delivery drivers.

The One Stop Charity Shop will sell mainly new goods and some donated items, with money going to help ex-servicemen and women from across the country.

It was officially opened by the Mayor and Mayoress of Swale, Cllr Ben Stokes and Cllr Sylvia Bennett, and Gordon Henderson MP.

BAE Systems fundraisers Mark Smith and Sujit Ahluwalia, who also attended, donated £500 and more than 900 items of food and clothing and sleeping bags to the shop.