CRUCIAL Academy hosted a charity black tie event at The Grand hotel in Brighton on behalf of the White Ensign Association.

More than 120 guests joined Crucial Academy and the association for a three-course meal with live music, raffles and an auction.

It raised more than £15,000 which will help the White Ensign Association continue its great work in supporting veterans.

The association helps serving and former members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Reserves and their families by providing support and advice on their transition into civilian life.

The White Ensign is a cause close to Crucial Academy’s heart as it is run by veterans.

Three former Royal Marines have built the academy, in North Street, brighton, to provide free accredited courses to service leavers and veterans looking to get into the cyber security industry.

Life on Civvy Street can be a challenge for the thousands of men and women who leave the British Armed Forces every year.

Many struggle to find jobs – studies by the Royal British Legion suggest veterans of working age are twice as likely to be unemployed as their equivalents in the general population.

But Crucial, just launched in Brighton, is tackling the problem by offering free training, qualifications – and employment.

The chief executive is Neil Williams, who joined the Royal Marines in 2009 and served for eight years before leaving last year to spend more time with his growing family – he has a 13-month-old son, Ashton.

As part of the Lead Commando Group, Neil, 34, who lives in Worthing, saw active service in Afghanistan and carried out operational exercises in the Gulf.

He said: “I was proud to serve my country and want to give something back to the military for all the skills and experiences the Marines gave me.”