WAR hero Simon Weston, who was burned when the Sir Galahad was bombed during the Falklands War, has a date to be a guest at an appeal dinner in Swindon.

The event on June 26 will raise money for Weston Spirit, a charity he set upto help youngsters who are at risk of abuse, bullying, peer pressure and social exclusion.

In 15 years it has worked with more than 47,000 young people between the ages of 13 and 25 in some of the UK's most deprived areas.

The 43-year-old former Welsh Guardsman suffered devastating burns when his troop carrier was bombed. Now, more than 20 years on, he has become a national figure.

The dinner is being organised by Swindon Soroptimists, a club for business and professional women. Jacquie Sheppard, who will become its president in April, chose Weston Spirit as the charity she wants it to support during her term of office.

"I just took a chance and rang Simon up and asked him if he would come to Swindon. I had never met him but he was so nice, as if he had known me for ages."

The dinner will be at the Winners' Lounge at Swindon Town Football Club and is expected to attract at least 200 people.

For more details ring the Soroptimist club's current president Jan Messenger on 01793 702935.