FROM military emblems to badges about food – Gary Ward’s suit has them all.

The 54-year-old, from Portslade, has spent nearly three years collecting and pinning thousands of different brooches to the outfit and will continue until almost every inch of material is covered.

There are 2,000 insignias on the jacket and about 1,000 on the trouser legs.

He has only spent around £20 on the project but hopes the unique set of jacket and trousers will fetch hundreds at an auction to fundraise for charity Help the Heroes.

Mr Ward, a member of Emmaus Brighton and Hove, a charity which helps to tackle homelessness, has organised the event on June 30 in memory of his father.

He said: “My father was in the Royal Marines and was one of the first men on the beaches at Dunkirk.

“I thought the charity was worthwhile but I also wanted to do something in his honour. I am also planning to weigh the suit as it is so heavy when you put it on. I’m planning to model it a bit more in the run-up to the auction.”

The event will take place at a time and location yet to be confirmed but will be supported by Emmaus.

For information or to support the auction, call Mr Ward on 07879 238554.

Badges can be posted to Gary Ward, Emmaus Brighton and Hove, Drove Road, Portslade, BN41 2PA