A West Norfolk councillor received praise from the Prime Minister for the support his charity provides to servicemen, veterans and their families.

Michael Taylor, Conservative councillor for St Margarets with St Nicholas ward in King's Lynn, met with Theresa May in a reception in 10 Downing Street.

He was commended for the support his charity The Bridge for Heroes provided to the armed forces community.

Mr Taylor founded the charity in 2010 after having spent nearly 20 years in the Household Cavalry and Royal Armoured Corps, where he served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Iraq.

The charity, based in King's Lynn, supports serving, veterans, dependants and widows suffering with physical injury and impairment, homelessness, readjustment issues and mental health conditions including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It provides immediate intervention through a range of services including advice, confidential counselling and opportunities for veterans from all branches of the military to meet and share experiences.

The charity supports more than 50 people every month, and within seven years since it was established has helped more than 700 people across East Anglia.

Mr Taylor said: 'It was a pleasure being invited to Number 10 and having the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister.

'It is humbling to receive praise on behalf of the hard work that is undertaken by the staff and volunteers at the charity - they work hard to provide the best possible support to those who have served their Queen and country.

'Our work and the work of many other charities enables individuals who are suffering from different conditions to regain control of their own lives and reintegrate back into society.'

The Prime Minister also congratulated Mr Taylor on gaining his seat in the by-election in August, a seat which was previously held by Labour councillor Claire Kittow.

Mr Taylor added: 'I am also looking forward to working with the local community as a councillor and feel privileged to have the ability to represent the views and concerns of the local residents within my ward.'

For more information about The Bridge for Heroes, or to donate, visit www.thebridgeforheroes.org or call 0300 111 2030.