THE Royal British Legion is launching its first ever Handy Vans Service in Cumbria.

The charity provides free practical support to help serving and ex-serving personnel to live at home.

Neil Pantin from Carlisle is the first fitter to be employed by the Legion in the county.

Neil, 37, who has worked as a joiner since leaving school, said: “Our aim is to help people live independently in their own homes – a lot of tradesman might not want to come out to change a light bulb or fix a tap, put up a shelf or fit a grab rail, but it’s those smaller jobs that give people the freedom to remain safe and independent in their own homes.”

Neil added: “I’ve already visited other fitters around the country and people are so appreciative of what they do, meeting some amazing ex-servicemen and women along the way. I’m excited now to be replicating that service in Cumbria.”

There are now 23 Royal British Legion Handy Vans operating across the UK, all connected via a national Freephone number.

Neil said: “We can help serving and ex-serving personnel of all ages and all backgrounds, and their families. I’ll be there to help them with small household repairs and minor adaptations.

“The householders are always pleased to know that they’re getting someone they can trust, under the flag of the Royal British Legion, so there’s no risk of being ripped off.”

The service is part of the charity’s Independent Living department, and is one of the many services supported by funds raised by the annual Poppy Appeal in Cumbria.

Neil can turn his hand to most tasks and has this advice to anyone too proud to pick up the phone: “Don’t struggle, even if I just come down to do a survey, I can check all your windows, doors, locks, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and it costs nothing, it’s a free phone call, a free service and a free check – even if it turns out that you need nothing, it costs nothing to call.”

Gary Waters, technical officer for the Handy Vans Service said: “Like all of our fitters, Neil will be a great ambassador for the Royal British Legion, and the people he helps will feel safe and secure when he visits them in their homes.

“This is one of the unique ways that the Royal British Legion uses your donations during the Poppy Appeal. It’s available to serving personnel or anyone who has previously been in the Armed Forces, including their partners and Reservists, and it’s free of charge to anyone who is eligible.” Call 0808 802 8080.