The Duchess of Cornwall, patron of the Poppy Factory, met ex-service men and women who have found new careers thanks to the Richmond charity.

A celebration reception was held at Admiralty House in London on Wednesday to mark its milestone of helping 500 disabled veterans back into employment.

The Poppy Factory’s individual approach has helped veterans of all ages, from all over the country, find work and adjust to civilian life.

At the reception, Her Royal Highness met key Poppy Factory people, including president Sara Jones, chairman Mark Perowne, and chief executive Melanie Waters.

The charity’s chief executive Melanie Waters, said: “The purpose of this event was to show our thanks to all the employers, mentors, staff, and indeed our disabled veterans, for contributing towards the success of our Getting You Back to Work programme.

“The Poppy Factory uses its unique expertise to help disabled veterans into work with many large and small commercial organisations throughout the UK.

“We believe that a health condition should not prevent an employer from considering one of our veterans as worthy for a meaningful career.

“The attendance of our patron, the Duchess of Cornwall, helps us to highlight our important work to provide bespoke support to our disabled veterans once they’ve left the forces.”

Three-quarters of Poppy Factory veterans sustain employment for 12 months or longer.

A recent independent report also found that The Poppy Factory’s Getting You Back to Work programme returned £2.23 in ‘social value’ for every £1 that was invested.

The Poppy Factory’s aim is that no disabled veteran should be denied the opportunity for work.

The charity provides effective employment support for its ex-forces clients and for employers alike.