Lancashire manufacturer to produce Help for Heroes jacket

A NORTH West fabric firm Carrington Workwear has collaborated with fashion brand Jack Wills to design a limited-edition jacket for charity Help for Heroes.

For every ‘Carrington’ jacket sold in store and online, 40% of proceeds will go to the charity which helps injured and sick servicemen and women from the armed forces.

Set up in Lancashire in 1891, the fabric firm has helped to provide uniforms for some of the world’s largest organisations, including McDonalds, BUPA, TATA Steel and Airbus.

This exact replica of a piece dating back to the 1960s includes many of the original features such as a drawstring to protect against the elements and internal pockets.

Justine Fordham, design and sales executive at Carrington, said: ‘‘Being involved in a project that supports our Servicemen and women has been a real honour, especially as the defence sector is one of major customers.

“We have a history of manufacturing fabrics for the armed forces that goes back to both World Wars, so to contribute and join forces with Jack Wills in this way has been fantastic.’’

In 2015, Help for Heroes helped more than 4,000 veterans and military personnel, along with their families.

The charity estimates that one in 11 ex-servicemen and women currently need their help.

The jacket has been inspired by British military of the past and present, and will be on sale online, at stores in Covent Garden, Soho, York, Edinburgh and Birmingham, and a store in Hong Kong.

It retails at £249, meaning that for each item sold £99.40 will be donated to Help for Heroes.