Anyone who has been in the British Armed Forces for at least seven paid days qualifies for support from the RBL.

More than a quarter of the RBL payments go to food and household essentials.

RBL county manager Craig Treeby said: “Last year through our office we made 400 payments which amounted to £150,000.

“That is lower than normal because last year we introduced a new benefit advisor who gives guidance and help to people with monetary problems and helps get them the best level of benefit they are entitled to and it’s really paid dividends.

“We also help people with priority debt, but that is only in extreme cases when they have nowhere else to go. We also help people with rent and deposits.

“We also help people with disabilities and elderly people with things like stairlifts, reclining chairs, medical equipment, scooters and we help people coming out of prison or homeless.”