ARMY Veteran Mike Taylor is close to fulfilling his ambition of opening a unique hotel giving free holidays to war heroes. Bridge for Heroes is a non-profit making venture which will see the re-opening of the Bridge Hotel in Sutton Bridge.

Story by: MAGGIE GIBSON

ARMY Veteran Mike Taylor is close to fulfilling his ambition of opening a unique hotel giving free holidays to war heroes.

"Bridge for Heroes" is a non-profit making venture which will see the re-opening of the Bridge Hotel in Sutton Bridge.

As British troops take part in the joint NATO and Afghan military operation to push the Taliban fighters from their strongholds, Mr Taylor believes the need for the hotel is greater than ever.

The venture will also provide much-needed jobs for locals and heavily subsidised facilities such as a cinema and gym.

Mr Taylor said: "There is nothing available on such a big scale as this. There are recovery centres for the injured but we are going to offer respite, recuperation and rest. There will be counselling available for those who want it and there will be fun things too.

"Sadly the fact is that for every person killed there are five or six injured with shrapnel wounds and loss of limbs. It is not just those who are injured which need help it is also their families and they will also be welcome and have our full support."

The hotel which has been empty since 2007 will be run as a normal hotel at weekends for weddings and special events.

Mr Taylor said: "As it is non-profit making if you hold a wedding at the hotel, not only will you have a fabulous venue, but you know you will also be helping families to have a much-needed break."

With local and national companies offering financial and material support, Mr Taylor hopes the hotel will open in June.

He said: In a time when the area is encountering many social problems my project will give back to the community with jobs, facilities and other innovative schemes."

Mr Taylor, 44, who served in Bosnia and Northern Ireland during his 17 years in the Army, has been amazed at the support he has received. He said: "When I first started thinking about this it was for something on a much smaller scale but the support has been wonderful.

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