THE UK’s best known war veteran paid a visit to care home residents in Darlington today (Monday, January 25).

Inspirational Falklands veteran Simon Weston shared stories of his extraordinary life with staff and residents as he toured the Willow Green residential home.

His visit came just weeks after he was named CBE – Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire – in the New Year’s Honours List.

The former soldier is known throughout the UK for his tireless charity work and his remarkable recovery from life-threatening injuries.

Mr Weston suffered 46 per cent burns in the 1982 bombing of RFA Sir Galahad and has since devoted his life to helping and inspiring others.

Modest about his achievements, he described himself as thrilled to be named ambassador for St Martins Care, a company with a number of homes in the North-East.

He said: “I’ve been involved in caring for people for a long time and I’ve been cared for myself – I’m not sure how many people have been in the situation of caring when they’ve been cared for.

“Care work is something I believe in strongly, especially when people get it right, as they are getting it right here.

“We have to support the most needy in our community and that’s why care homes are so important.

“It’s great to be able to help in a small way and be part of something like this – I’m thrilled to do it.”

He added: “I don’t do anything in my life for accolade and I’m always shocked when I get one.

“I don’t want to be defined by what happened to me, I want to be defined by what I did about it.

“I’d like my epitaph to say ‘the boy done well’.”

Care home manager Richard Maddison said residents and staff had been thrilled by Mr Weston's visit.