A FALKLANDS War veteran spoke with residents of a specialist learning disability unit when it was officially opened.

Simon Weston, who suffered life-changing injuries during the 1982 conflict, spent several hours touring the Windermere Grange care home in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough while sharing stories of his road to recovery after surviving the bombing of the Sir Galahad ship.

The former Welsh Guardsman has recently become ambassador for the company which runs the home.

He said: "I have been given expert and wonderful care throughout my life and fully appreciate the importance of people who provide high quality care for others either for age or infirmity. I enjoyed working closely with a Military Care Home for over 20 years and my new role with St Martins Care gives me the opportunity to be able to contribute to and develop a business dedicated to doing things ‘properly’.

"I have always been about people and this is a perfect fit for me to help people improve their quality of life and hopefully make them smile."

Kevin Pattison, managing director of St Martins Care, which runs the home, said: "To have the endorsement of Simon Weston for our work is truly fantastic. Simon knows only too well how important and indeed life-changing outstanding care can be, so it is a real mark of distinction to have him as our ambassador."