A DIRECTOR from the trust which runs mental health services in Cheshire met Prince William at the launch of an NHS campaign.

Julia Cottier, service director at Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) attended the public launch of Step into Health, which supports military veterans to gain employment in the NHS.

She joined His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, representatives of other NHS organisations involved in the scheme, its ambassadors, those employed through the programme and leaders from across health and the armed forces.

Julia said: "It was an honour to be invited to the public launch and to be thanked for signing up to the Step into Health programme.

"The programme is an incredible opportunity in which employers work with the armed forces community to provide career and development opportunities within the NHS, and it was fantastic to meet the people who have found employment through this scheme.

"It’s clear that the NHS really value the transferable skills military veterans develop whilst serving and I would encourage any NHS organisation to pledge their support."

Last year, CWP became one of the first NHS trusts in the country to sign up to the scheme, which aims to value the contribution made by military service leavers and their families.

Designed by the NHS in conjunction with The Royal Foundation and Walking with the Wounded, Step into Health has seen a number of military veterans gain employment over the last three years.