The Rev. Robert West has been appointed as the British Veterans Group's official Padre. 

He served for three years in the British Army, from 1973 to 1976 with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, and is a member of the BVG.

Veterans Officer Pete Molloy said: "There will be times when the BVG will hold its Christian church service, which is part of the traditions of the three armed forces, and its service of remembrance, which require the services of a Padre." 

On being asked to take the position, the Rev. West said, "I am very happy to take on the role of the group's chaplaincy."

If you would like to become a member of the BVG, please email veterans@bnp.org.uk for an application form.

To qualify as a member of the BVG, you must meet one of the below membership criteria:

1. Have qualified for the government's veterans’ badge,

2. Be a serving member of HM Forces (Regular or Reserves),

3. Have served in any of the cadet forces as an adult instructor for a minimum of ten years,

4. Be a spouse of a BVG member,

5. Be a bereaved family member of fallen serving personnel.

You do not have to be a British National Party member to join, but membership is not permitted to those who are expelled from the British National Party or are members of an organisation that is proscribed by the British National Party.

The BVG is currently raising funds to obtain its own standard. To date, the group has raised £325, but still needs more to reach the £820 target.

If you would like to make a donation towards the standard, please make cheques payable to ‘British National Party’ and post to British Veterans Group, PO Box 105, Spennymoor, Co Durham, DL16 6HF.

The BVG now has a group on Facebook, which can be found here: British Veterans Group Facebook.