An ex-soldier is leading a campaign to combat veteran homelessness.

Ray Howard, originally from Sprowston, Norwich, served 22 years in the Army and now runs a veterans' helpline.

He has launched a petition aiming for one million signatures to raise awareness about homeless veterans.

The petition highlights the struggles faced by many veterans, including unemployment and mental health issues, which often lead to homelessness.

A 2018 Crisis UK report estimates that about 3.5pc of the UK's homeless population are ex-servicemen and women.

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Mr Howard plans to deliver the petition to 10 Downing Street in November, marking his journey from Coventry as symbolic of the daily struggles faced by homeless veterans.

He is appealing for support from large corporations, local businesses and the government to help tackle this issue.

Mr Howard said: "Our veterans served us; now it's our turn to serve them."

The petition has already gathered 311 signatures this week alone.

Anyone wishing to support Mr Howard's campaign can sign the petition online, showing solidarity with homeless veterans across the UK.