THE Mayor of Test Valley had to ratchet up some serious strength during a visit to a new social enterprise.

The civic chief showed off her mechanical skills with a hefty metrelong tool earlier this month, while on a trip to Forces Re-Engineered.

Councillor Karen Hamilton also met the two men behind the new community interest company, which has been set up with the aim of helping re-train former servicemen.

The not-for-profit company, based at Walworth Business Park, is the brain-child of qualified engineer Steph West.

The father-of-one, who has over 24-years worth of engineering experience, is hoping to employ former servicemen as apprentices and help them gain qualifications in the field of motor mechanics.

Although the 52-year-old says the community interest company will be open to all servicemen and emergency service personnel, he particularly hopes to help sufferers of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Talking about the new company, he said: “I was on a ride with Bike Tours for the Wounded and I was talking to someone about PTSD.

“That’s when I thought to myself that something needed to be done.

“One of the core problems with PTSD is that extra stress can cause issues.

“In commercial companies they won’t necessarily allow you to take a few minutes out.

“I don’t want to just get people to be able to build things, but to create a supportive environment where we can solve problems caused by PTSD.”

Mr West says the not-for-profit company will be sustainable as a fully functioning mechanic service, fixing and maintain cars and bikes.

The social enterprise will be supported by a number of organisations the area, including Andover College, which will help apprentices train for level three and four qualifications.

Eventually, Mr West hopes to expand the company to have a number of apprentices and fully-trained staff members.

Mr West has already employed his first apprentice, friend and formerserviceman John Riding-Woods.

The 37-year-old served for 18 years in the former Pioneer Regiment, before leaving in 2015.

Since then the former Lance Corporal admits he has struggled to adapt to civilian life and is currently being treated for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

But he began to find himself again after starting charitable work with Mr West.

The pair would find used car parts, which they would convert into novel tables.

Charities, such as Bike Tours for the Wounded, would then sell off the tables and keep the money to aid their work.

Mr Riding-Woods said: “Before I started working with Steph I didn’t enjoy social situations. But working with Steph has really helped me.

I enjoy coming here and I look forward to coming to work. Hopefully when I’ve finished my apprenticeship I can go on to do a Masters in engineering.”

For more information visit: http:// www.forcesreengineered.com/.