More than 100 wounded British and Israeli soldiers will take part in the first-ever Veteran Games in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem next week.

The five-day event will include a conference on post-traumatic stress disorder and mental health featuring leading professionals from both countries and a programme to encourage injured soldiers’ families to share experiences and build friendships.

Taking place at rehabilitation centres run by the charity Beit Halochem, the games are the brainchild of BHUK and the Embassy of Israel in London and are supported by the Royal Marines Charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund and the Association of Jewish ex-Service Men and Women.

The British veterans and their families will fly to Israel at the weekend.

Jonathan Ball, chief executive of The Royal Marines Charity, said: “Shared experiences for military veterans are a strong source of physical and mental healing, even more so across differing nationalities.

"We are sure that this will ensure a powerful bond and new enduring friendships at the games.”

The Chelsea Foundation is also backing the games by providing football coaching for families and specialist workshops for Israeli sports teachers.