BRENTWOOD MP Eric Pickles has prasied a group of Brentwood charity trekkers for their work in raising over £13,000 for two war vet charities.

Mr Pickles was at Brentwood Brewing Company recently to see the brewers present Operation Market Garden, the Bricklayers Arms charity trek troop, with a cheque for £200 which was raised by the sale of OMG Beer.

The two charities to benefit from the group's fundraising efforts are The Para Charity and Help for Heroes.

Mr Pickles said: "Clearly this is a tremendous achievement particularly as we start to get towards the anniversary of the end of the Second World War and remember the sacrifices made by so many. This was a wonderful way to raise money."

Roland Kannor, managing director of the company, added: "We're very proud to support the OMG Bricklayers Arms lads and their charity mission to raise funds for The Para Charity and Help for Heroes. They're planning something for next year and I might even be persuaded to tag along."

Rita Wells, landlady of The Forresters Arms pub at High Ongar was also at the brewery on supporting the OMG lads. Her father Bill Mann of Walthamstow was in the 4th Para Brigade and fought at Arnhem in Operation Market Garden.

Proudly wearing her father's five war medals she said: "We must not forget the wounded soldiers. They fight for Queen and country and a lot get forgotten. “It's not just the wounded, some suffer with mental difficulties. They're forgotten heroes."

The brewery has recently produced The Poppy Beer. Donations from sales will go to the Royal British Legion.