A RADIO show aimed at helping veterans cope with symptoms of anxiety and PTSD has launched across the Wee County.

Airing on Tillicoultry-based Forth Valley Radio, Veteran Tall Tales features guests sharing real or fictional stories and allows them to connect with other ex-military in a similar position.

The show is presented by Mark Wallace, who said the show was designed as a safe space for veterans to talk and feel comfortable.

He added: "It started a couple of years ago, I was working with a company called Stand Easy Productions who were helping veterans take part in plays and workshops.

"From there, we decided to start a show where vets could come on and discuss stories from their time in the forces.

"I secured funding from Foundation Scotland and the Baillie Gifford Trust who helped me grow the idea and then it was picked up by Forth Valley Radio.

"We take veterans and we bring them on the show and they do performances, we bring them out of their comfort zone and everyone has some fun.

"Each vet comes on the show and can tell a fact or a fictional story, some can be happy, some can be sad and then some music will play and the next guest will come on."

The show was initially designed to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety or PTSD in ex-military.

Many members of the armed forces leave their positions and find they struggle to reconnect with life as a civilian.

Derek Cochrane served as a member of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers for 12 years and says the show helped him out of a very dark place.

"This show considerably benefitted me and several others I know on the programme," he said. "I used to be a bit of a recluse with no communication to anyone outside of my wife.

"Somebody mentioned this show to me and I went along and after a few sessions, people said they had noticed a significant change in my attitude.

"It got me out of a not so happy place that I was at and I feel much more comfortable going along now.

"If it wasn't for Mark and the guys, I'd still be in this bubble of my own making."

Mark recommends the show to any member of the armed forces who may be finding life since leaving difficult.

"I find it allows veterans to reconnect with the community they once knew, they can talk how they used to in the forces without being judged," he added.

"It brings out a sense of comradeship that some of them might not have felt since leaving the military.

"Personally, from what I've seen, this experience can transform people."

Veteran Tall Tales will next be on air on Sunday, February 5 from 2pm-4pm.

For more on the radio station, visit www.forthvalleyradio.co.uk