A film detailing the lives of three veterans and their transition from military to civilian life, as part of a national research project, will be premiered in Rawtenstall, later this month.

‘Return, Belong, Prosper’ was created by Anglia Ruskin University working with Veterans In Communities (VIC), a charity that has worked throughout East Lancashire and areas of Greater Manchester since 2012. It was brought to life by filmmaker Katie Davies.

VIC was one of three charities chosen for the project that researched how veteran organisations help ex-service personnel transition to civilian life.

All three films were launched at the National Army Museum in London and the film was selected out of 7,000 entries to be screened at an international film festival in Germany.

Lancashire Telegraph: (L-R) Darren Horsnell, Dave Joddrell and Steve Butterworth in Market Street, Whitworth, filming(L-R) Darren Horsnell, Dave Joddrell and Steve Butterworth in Market Street, Whitworth, filming (Image: Shreepali Patel)

It tells the story of veterans Darren Horsnell, Steven Butterworth and Dave Joddrell, to explore how creativity has helped them to transition from military to civilian life.

They faced a variety of difficulties when they left the military world and spoke frankly about the issues they faced.

VIC chief executive, Amanda Walton, said: “It is powerful and when it was first shown, just to members of other veteran groups who were also involved in making one of the three films, there were 'wows' heard around the room.

“While the filming was going on, the members of VIC also created a huge mural in the arts and crafts room at VIC, so the film also shows that being painted from start to finish.

“As well as seeing the film, those who attend will hear from the deputy director of the Veterans and Families Institute at Anglia Ruskin University, Dr Nick Caddick, we will outline more details of VIC and the work we do and there will be a Q and A with the veterans featured in the film.

“Although tickets are free, we are asking people to pre-book online so we can cater to the number that are attending.”

Darren has created a giant rhino painting in oils which is being raffled for £2.50 a ticket, with the proceeds for arts and crafts activities at Veterans In Communities.

The picture will be on show at the film screening and tickets will be available to buy at AG6.

The first Lancashire screening will be at AG6, Alder Grange School's Sixth Form in Rawtenstall on Wednesday, April 24, at 1.30pm.

‘Return, Belong, Prosper’ will then be shown at a major Armed Forces Conference in Rawtenstall on Thursday, April 25.

You can buy tickets at www.tickettailor.com.