A young veteran who suffered horrific injuries in a bomb blast has described his children as his inspiration for designing a picnic bench for Help for Heroes.

Alex Stringer, 23, who lost three limbs when he stepped on a hidden bomb while on patrol in Afghanistan in 2011, unveiled his design at Chavasse VC House in Berechurch Road, Colchester, on Tuesday.

The dad-of-three, of Thorney Bay Road, Canvey Island, visits the recovery centre about once a week and proudly unveiled the new bench, which will allow him to sit around the table and have lunch with his children.

See tomorrow's paper for the full story.