COMEDIAN Jim Davidson proved a big hit and delivered a strong message when he visited and spoke to guests at a weekend event at Bombers cafe in Orsett.

The barbecues, held several times a year and hosted by Bombers owner Chris Martin and his team, have become very popular.

They are described as 'a chance to honour and thank our veterans, who should be treated like the heroes they are' and are relaxed affairs with good food and music on offer,

Former service personal get to enjoy it all for free - and at the latest event on Saturday (18 October), sponsored by Thurrock Scooterists, they were addressed and entertained by the 71-year-old longstanding stand-up comic and modern day TV commentator.

Mr Davidson, whose adult-humour and right-wing opinions have often courted controversy, has entertained the British Armed Forces, and is currently chairman of the British Forces Foundation charity, which aims to promote the wellbeing and esprit de corps of service personnel. 

Davidson was awarded the OBE in the 2001 New Year Honours List for his services to charity.

During his banter with veterans and other guests at Saturday's event, he told of his seven visits to the Falkland Islands and of his experiences of supporting British veterans.

Jim Davidson's address to veterans. Contains strong language and opinions:

He described them as a group of people who, sadly, had 'lost their relevance'. 

The comic, who says he is 'clinging on' to his membership of the Conservative Party but respects what Reform are doing, said: "I believe there is a new relevance coming. Gone are the days when people like you stood up for Britain and said we are not having this. But it's time to take back control of what's going on. 

"Veterans don't want hand-outs, they just want a hand up. Veterans should get together and get their relevance back. Be a group of people that will lobby government. Hopefully you will get a government that will listen to you, and you have got to drive the government, not the other way round.

"Lets use the brotherhood you've got to try and drive whoever's going to be our government into doing stuff that's right for the veterans. Not a hand out, but a hand up. 

"Let's show this country that you veterans are a force to deal with."