A STROUD army veteran joined MP Siobhan Baillie this week at a Downing Street reception in honour of those who have served their country.

Matthew Patrick went through the famous black door with Siobhan on Tuesday for the Local Veteran Champions’ Reception hosted by veterans' minister Johnny Mercer.

Siobhan nominated Matthew to go to the event because he has worked to organise veterans events in the Dursley area for many years.

The former staff sergeant was the chief parachute instructor of the Royal Logistic Corps parachute club and team based at South Cerney near Cirencester.

He was also the chief parachute instructor of the joint services parachute centre in Hong Kong.

Gazette Series: MP Siobhan Baillie with Stroud army veteran Matthew PatrickHe said: “I was pleased to be invited to the Veterans’ reception at 10 Downing Street by Siobhan where we heard from the veterans' minister.

“It was an honour to be recognised for my work supporting veterans across the Stroud district.

"I hope the Government keeps up the good work in looking after our country’s veterans.

“Thank you to Siobhan for inviting me.”

Ms Baillie said: “It was an honour to take Matthew to this event that quite rightly recognised veterans from across the UK.

"We are blessed to have a number of veterans who are committed to helping others so it was difficult to choose who to take but I knew he would represent the whole district really well. 

“The minister recognised Matthew from when I arranged for him to visit us in Dursley. 

"The work we are doing following that visit and the advice the minister gave us about local services, particularly medical services for veterans, was very valuable.”