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Honouring our brave veterans
FALKLANDS war hero Simon Weston visited Blackpool to honour the resort's brave veterans.
The 48-year-old former Welshguardsman – known across the globe for his incredible bravery - officially opened the new Shop for Heroes in the town centre on Saturday.
He also took time out to talk about his experiences in the Armed Forces with Blackpool school children.
The renowned veteran, who suffered horrific injuries while serving in the Falklands War in 1982, said: "It's a great pleasure to open the Shop for Heroes.
"Blackpool has to be one of the most patriotic towns in the UK and all the general public always seem to support the Armed Forces.
"I think people have a greater understanding of what it means to be in the Armed Forces, especially people here ion Blackpool.
"A lot has changed since I fought in the Falklands and recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have really brought it home to people what being in the Armed Forces means."
The Shop for Heroes is based on Bank Hey Street after the space was donated by JJB Sports.
The official opening was heralded by the Blackpool Air Cadets, Corps of Drums.
A signed rugby shirt, worn by the England rugby union team in the first game of the Six Nations, was handed to Simon – and he promptly handed it back to be auctioned off to raise more cash for those serving in the Forces.
Jim Baker, president of the Blackpool Ex-Servicemen's Association, said: "In my eyes every veteran is a hero but Simon is a class apart."
FOR THE FULL STORY SEE MONDAY'S GAZETTE.
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Weather for Blackpool
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: West
