AS we look forward to the festive period and temperatures continue to drop, we must spare a thought for those who have served our country but find themselves homeless.

Research shows around 300-400 veterans end up on the streets every year, and up to 4,000 require urgent support to find accommodation.

Under the armed forces covenant, veterans have access to enhanced housing support, but far too many still fall through the gaps and miss out on this.

The No Homeless Veterans campaign (www.nohomelessveterans.org.uk), funded by the Forces in Mind Trust, calls on local authorities, homelessness charities and advice agencies to "Think Veteran" when people approach them in housing need, in order to effectively identify former servicemen and women and channel them through to the best possible support.

The fact that this Christmas there will be veterans sleeping in inappropriate accommodation, in hostels and on the streets, is unacceptable.

By working with local authorities and providing a clear pathway to housing, we can put an end to this and make sure no veteran is without a home at Christmas.

Ed Tytherleigh, co-chairman of Confederation of Service Charities.