Celebrity chef Marco Pierre White is helping to launch a fundraising initiative for vulnerable veterans.

The chef, who is a partner in The Box Tree, in Ilkley, will be at Harewood House on Wednesday for a high-profile launch of plans to build a Veteran’s Artisan Bakery at Catterick Garrison.

The scheme will be built at The Beacon – a flagship accommodation, training and social enterprise centre which helps ex-service personnel suffering with combat stress or at risk of homelessness. The bakery will provide the opportunity to start fresh lives by providing vocational training and accredited qualifications.

Mike Shafer, Chief Executive of Harewood House, said: “Harewood opened its doors to wounded service men in WWII, with much of the State Floor set out as hospital wards, and the formal gardens and grounds turned over to agricultural land.

“If working with Marco and the team to promote the Veterans Artisan Bakery is an element of our contribution to war veterans of the 21st century, then we are more than happy to do so.”

Marco, who grew up in Leeds, and trained at The Box Tree, said: “I’ve flown to Iraq and Afghanistan to cook for the troops on Christmas Day, and it’s always a privilege. I strongly believe we all have a duty to support our soldiers and that duty of care shouldn’t stop on their return home.

“This bakery is a way to bring people together and work for a common cause. The veterans deserve this opportunity – I know how tough it is, my visits to the frontline have been truly life-changing experiences.

“I have nothing but respect for the soldiers who served there, and I am honoured to support a valuable project like this.”

Clair Challenor-Chadwick, director and fundraiser at Cause UK, who is tasked with raising funds for the project said: “Marco’s support is invaluable in helping to raise awareness for those ex-service personnel who are struggling to adjust to civilian life.

“We really hope Yorkshire will rise to the challenge and support this valuable project.”