A FUNDRAISING weekend in aid of a veterans' charity took place last weekend.

The three-day event ­— raising awareness for Forgotten Veterans UK ­— kicked off at The Railway in Ryde with an evening performance from X Directory.

Saturday saw performances from Frampwood Mac in the afternoon, and Charlene Duncan in the evening.

Milo performed on the Sunday, as well as Geoff Giles ­— former member of the Royal Airforce ­— who turned up on the day to play a three hour set because he was so passionate about the project.

The event saw up to 400 people gather over the weekend, raising more than £700 on the donation page, and a further £1,355 at the pub.

Event organiser, Dale Hillier, said: "The music was fantastic ­— it was an amazing weekend, I'm really pleased to be a part of it."

Dale served on HMS Intrepid during the Falklands War in 1982, and on HMS Antrim in Granada in 1983.

Dale has since suffered PTSD himself, and wanted to do something to help others in a similar situation.

Gary Weaving, of Forgotten Veterans UK, came over from Portsmouth for the event, and brought along two veterans the charity looks after.

"They were both very overwhelmed," said Dale.

"That was one of the highlights of the weekend for me ­— Gary's emotional speech."

Gary, and Army veteran Roger Lyness, both gave speeches.

Dale said: "I want to thank Roger and Lisa from Isle of Wight Armed Forces' breakfast club for all their help, and all the bands for taking part.

"I also want to thank The Railway for having us, and Phil Spencer for all his hard work."

Forgotten Veterans UK is a Portsmouth-based charity that helps veterans recover from any trauma they have suffered during service.