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The documentary maker and former EastEnders soap opera actor has recorded a message of support for the Emergency Rendezous (ERV) centre, in Roker Avenue, Sunderland, as its founders bid to raise £125,000 to buy the premises.

Mr Kemp was impressed by its “fantastic” facilities during a visit in December while backing Labour candidate Julie Elliott in her successful campaign to be re-elected Sunderland Central’s MP.

In a newly-released video message, he has now urged people to give what they can, adding: “This building is being used 24-7 and offers help to veterans who desperately need it.”

Ross Kemp has urged people to back Veterans in Crisis Sunderland's £125,000 appeal to buy its ERV premises.

Mr Kemp, who has filmed documentaries about British troops in Afghanistan, is pictured in the video wearing a T-shirt supporting Veterans in Crisis Sunderland (VICS), which runs the ERV.

VICS founder Ger Fowler, a former Army serviceman himself, said: “He was impressed by what we do here and we appreciate his support.

“It would be wonderful to get the support of other celebrities so that we can reach our target and secure our future here.”

VICS has supported 220 former servicemen, servicewomen and their families since it was founded in its current guise in 2018.

VICs founder Ger Fowler, far left, with Mayoress and Mayor of Sunderland Diane Snowdon and David Snowdon, and ambassador Kevin Ball at the official opening of the Roker Avenue ERV centre.

Housing, employment and benefits are among the everyday issues it has helped veterans to deal with.

The ERV, named after locations where armed forces will meet if they are separated during military action, officially opened on Remembrance Day last year and includes temporary accommodation for veterans if they have been referred by official organisation such as police and hospitals.

The four-storey building also hosts arts classes and therapy sessions with veterans encouraged just to pop in for a chat and a cuppa on weekdays between 9am-5pm.

VICS is currently hoping to raise at least £15,000 of the £125,000 target through a crowdfunding appeal hosted by the Aviva Community Fund on behalf of a number of causes nationwide.

The company will top up projects which attract £15,000 before the end of April and public donations can be made via www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/veteranshelpingveterans.

Further details about VICS are also available by phoning (0191) 5671878 or (07398) 916590.

See television star Ross Kemp back new Sunderland campaign to help veterans