A SECOND World War veteran with an incurable respiratory disease is enjoying a new lease of life - after receiving what is believed to be the UK's first mobile oxygen concentrator.

Great-grandfather William Dennis, 78, suffers from Idiopathic Fibrosing Alveolitis - which has made him housebound for the last six months - and needs oxygen from a machine 24-hours-a-day.

The hereditary condition claimed the life of his son John 10 years ago when he was in his late 40s.

However, the former Army sergeant is now celebrating being able to get out from home after the Kidderminster branch of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen Families Association Forces Help (SSAFA) which helped him to get the machine.

The pensioner, who served with the Worcestershire Regiment from 1940 until 1952, said the £3,200 American device was the "best Christmas present" he could ever have received.

"I feel over the moon for the simple reason that I have been told I have to stay on oxygen all the time and without it I would be housebound," he said.

The widower from Wells Close, Kidderminster, developed the progressive disease two years ago and said his situation became "desperate" six months ago.

He is now looking forward to being able to visit his son Terry in Droitwich and daughter Sandra, of Clee Avenue, Kidderminster, as well as his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

"They come and visit me regularly but one of the very important points for me is that now I'll be able to go and visit them."

However the former soldier - who took part in the Normandy landings during the Second World War - admitted he was at first reluctant to apply for help.

"Another ex-soldier on my estate asked if I would like to apply for the machine to SSAFA but I said that would be scrounging," he explained.

"But he said 'look you've served your country well so it's time they served you' - and he convinced me."

The organisation's divisional secretary Tony Goldsmith urged other people needing help to come forward.

"Anyone who has served in the forces, their dependents and families are eligible for our help," he pointed out.

"And that covers everything from raising money for this sort of machine to paying rent arrears and buying washing machines and cookers."

He added the Kidderminster branch had helped about 70 people this year.

After handing over the new machine to Mr Dennis, he said: "There aren't any other mobile oxygen machines in the UK and it's not available on the NHS which is why we stepped in to find the money.

"It would be nice if we could get his machine recognised by the NHS so they could step in and buy them for people to improve their quality of life."

The cost of the machine was covered by the Worcestershire Regiment £500; Army Benevolent Fund £500; Royal British Legion £500; Royal College of Nursing £300; NHS Pensioners Fund £400; Elizabeth Finn Trust £100; Florence Nightingale Trust £300; Nurse Aid Trust £300; Aid in Sickness, Kidderminster £100; Royal UK Beneficent Association £200.

More information on obtaining SSAFA funding can be obtained by calling 01562 751181.