SCULPTURE The Abandoned Soldier will be at Exeter Castle this month as part of a poignant exhibition.

The statue was created by artist James Napier in honour of those who have fought for Britain.

The commemorative art piece will leave Cardiff Castle to arrive in Exeter on Wednesday morning where it will be the centre piece of nine-day exhibition, War Art.

The showcase will include over 100 pieces of artwork by both serving and former members of the armed forces, some of whom suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Six rarely seen works by Exeter artist and survivor of the Second World War Nazi camps in Poland, Raya Herzig, will also be a feature of the exhibition.

War Art coincides with the Summer in the City festival and Armed Forces Week, with the aim of raising awareness of combat-related trauma.

The exhibition also celebrates the 90th birthday of the Royal British Legion – 30 per cent of all sales will go to the charity.

The event has been organised by John McDermott, a former member of the Royal Navy and UN Military Observer in the Falklands, the Gulf wars and Bosnia, Cambodia and Sierra Leone in West Africa.

Mr McDermott is now a full-time painter working in Exeter and formed not-for-profit social enterprise Aftermath PTSD to raise awareness of the condition through art exhibitions.

He said: "Through the universal language of art, visitors will be able to explore what combat-related trauma means as well as the survivability of the human spirit.

"This is the first time that such a group of artists have come together like this in the South West.

"It's now 10 years since British troops went into Afghanistan, and later into Iraq.

"Throughout this period a significant number of troops, perhaps as many as four out of 10 of the many thousands deployed, are now suffering the hugely debilitating effects brought on by combat trauma," said Mr McDermott.

He added: "Last month the Royal British Legion stated that the Armed Forces community was facing a 'perfect storm' of health and welfare needs due to the legacy of Afghanistan and Iraq, combined with defence cuts and strains on public sector support.

"In response the charity Combat Stress has now set up a 24-hour confidential helpline.

"Yet, all the service charities involved know this will never be enough and this 'perfect storm' may well turn out to be a national disgrace.

"Many sufferers end up being medically discharged from the military, lose their homes, end up homeless and, tragically, many take their own lives," he said.

"The Combat Stress helpline is 0800 138 1619."

Admission is free for the exhibition which will run from Saturday, June 18, until Sunday, June 26, between 10am and 6.30pm.

Invitations for the opening evening on Friday, June 17, can be requested by visiting www.aftermathptsd.co.uk.