Last updated 19:42, Thursday, 10 April 2008

A FALKLANDS war hero has visited a Workington school to see a project that is involved with his charity.

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Simon Weston visited St Joseph’s School, on Harrington Road, which has just recently started working with Weston Spirit, one of Mr Weston’s charities.

The charity has nine centres across the UK, where young people can work, learn and socialise together.

The children had put together a presentation about their activities to show to Mr Weston.

Mr Weston, 46, who was injured in the Falklands War when his ship, the Sir Galahad was hit by an Argentinian Exocet missile, leaving him with massive burns, said: “It is amazing what this charity does and it is great to see young people respond to something like this.

“It is wonderful to see this kind of thing going on and it is a huge achievement for the children to put together this presentation.”

Children in the programme also take part in Keyfund activities, meaning they can create and participate in local community projects which they will design and lead.

Youth work is already taking place in the area, although a youth resource centre that was planned in the town centre was vetoed due to concerns raised by local residents who thought that there could be incidents of disruption and anti-social behaviour.

The St Joseph’s membership programme started in January 2008 after the school approached Weston Spirit.

A small number of children were identified for the programme, which now meets every Wednesday.

Mr Weston said: “This presentation shows us all the work they have done and it can make a huge difference in later life.

“It is good to see young people benefiting from this type of project and it is clear they are getting something out of it.

“It is not only the young people but the adults that can benefit from this as well.”

The group is only in its early stages.

Headmaster Tom Ryan said he was delighted to have Mr Weston at the school.

He said: “He is a wonderful role model for the pupils. You can see how it has helped their self-confidence in the presentation they gave to Mr Weston.

Mr Weston’s charitable work, with his own charities and the Royal British Legion and the Royal Star and Garter Home, earned him an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 1992.

The school has previously been involved in some fund-raising activities for Weston Spirit and raised £1,000 so far.