War veterans in Stourbridge glass-making workshops
Soldiers who have suffered post traumatic stress disorder have been taking part in glass-making workshops in the Black Country aimed at helping them to recover.
The Hot Glass Heroes UK project is being held for the first time as part of the International Festival of Glass.
Six veterans who have served in the British Army are taking part in the project at the Ruskin Glass Centre in Stourbridge.
It is being led by glassmakers at the centre's in-house college alongside war veterans from America.
The project was inspired by a US military-run programme similar to this, which helps to rehabilitate serviceman with post traumatic stress disorder and adjust to civilian life.
WATCH footage from the exhibition:
The UK version - being held for the first time in the country - was set up by the centre's college teacher Keith Brocklehurst after he travelled to Washington in the United States.
Former combat engineer Michael Daley, who served for 10 years in the US Army and was struck twice by improvised explosive devices, is among the war veterans who have travelled across the pond to help run the project.
The British war veterans have been learning glass-making techniques at a workshop inside the Ruskin Glass Centre.
Working in a hot shop is known to bestow physical benefits on people with post traumatic stress disorder. It improves dexterity, balance, core strength and also offers people the chance to be creative and develop their imagination.
Michael, aged 37 from Tahoma in Washington, who is a glass-maker, said: "I am a veteran instructor and I have come along to help the project.
"This project is about bringing people together, they are able to sit down with one another and have a coffee or tea.
"This programme is great. Being a veteran instructor transpires worldwide. The participants have been amazing to work with."
Michael has taken part in the US Army-led glass making project back home after he suffered injury while serving his country.
He served between 2002 and 2012 and toured both Iraq and Afghanistan. He was struck by IEDs in his role as a combat engineer.
He said: "I got blown up by two IEDs. One hit the front of the vehicle I was in, and the other came from underneath. Both times I got knocked out.
"I received concussions. I have a slight issue with my head in terms of migraines. But after seven years I have got used to it."
As a result, Michael received a traumatic brain injury.
Keith Brocklehurst, who has been a glass-blower for 17 years and teaches at the centre's college, said: "
"This project has been a very good event to get together. There are six veterans who are appearing. Long term, we are hoping to generate some funds so it can continue."
The project began Tuesday and will runs until today.
The centrepiece of the festival - now in its seventh year - at the Ruskin Glass Centre will be the 2017 British Glass Biennale exhibition.
For more information about the festival, visit ruskinglasscentre.co.uk
