Barry John, MBE, is a 44-year-old father of two who served in the army for 24 years. The VC Gallery is a voluntary charity for veterans and the community through arts and creative engagement. It was set up to help veterans and those with mental and physical disabilities, to both the young and elderly and to anyone who feels alone, disadvantaged or isolated.

While some veterans fair well after leaving the armed forces, some other veterans need support to readjust back into civilian life. With the help of his artistic background and his involvement in mental health work, Barry now helps those who feel they need time out to express themselves through art.

Any money donated will be used for day to day running of the charity with hopes of potentially obtaining a tablet as a social media platform and signage for all the shops.