A READING veteran who set up a business as a way of coping with PTSD is 'proud' to have received a prestigious award.

Courageous Jay Benbow, a veteran of 17 years, set up Ravenswood Locksmiths Ltd - a locksmith and security consultancy which covers Berkshire and Hampshire - and last month walked away from the Veterans Awards with a bronze prize for Business of the Year.

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Mr Benbow said: "My last 10 years I served with Military Intelligence and saw operational tours in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and three tours of Afghanistan between 2010 - and 2013.

"Whilst in Afghanistan I served with Special Forces both foreign and domestic in very challenging environments with heavy work loads - adjusting into civilian life has been another difficult challenge.

"I resigned in 2015 and in 2016 I was diagnosed with complex PTSD and burn out.

"Struggling with the diagnosis, I began my treatment with the South Central Veterans Agency where I was given CBT for well over a year.

"I still needed to work and my previous skill sets were handy in creating Ravenwood Locksmiths Ltd.

"Although its been tough, owning my own business has also been part of my therapy and recovery."

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The awards took place in October, and Mr Benbow has said his team has been left feeling 'very proud' of the achievement.

He added: "We will continue to offer our services in line with the values and standards I came away with from the military and now into my civilian career moving forward."

Mr Benbow also founded a small bespoke charity called Boots on the Ground, which helps service leavers adjust to civilian life and supports with crisis intervention and employment opportunities.