CALNE Falklands War veteran John Hunt, 39, who took his own life on Sunday, was let down by the country he had served, according to his brother.

Michael McDaid, of Back Road, Calne, has spoken out about his shock at his brother's sudden death, and his disappointment that Mr Hunt found it so hard to get the help and support he needed.

Mr Hunt who died at his Newcroft Road home just weeks after an appointment with Combat Stress, the organisation set up to help ex-soldiers suffering post-traumatic stress disorder.

The night before his death he was out enjoying himself with friends, his brother said.

But Mr Hunt's sociable nature covered huge anxieties about the sights he had witnessed in the Falklands War.

"He saw his mates blown up and shot at," said Mr McDaid. "They had to kill Argentinian soldiers who were just boys. Sometimes John woke up at night screaming."

After the war, Mr Hunt had a job driving lorries but was signed off sick with depression two years ago.

He was unable to lead a normal settled life, and was married three times. Three years ago he had a son, Joshua, and he became a devoted father.

"I think he was let down by the country. He had to battle to get anything, even somewhere to live. "

A spokesman for Combat Stress said many ex service personnel suffered post-traumatic stress syndrome, sometimes wrestling with terrible memories for decades.

He said many men found it hard to talk about what they were going through. "I believe more soldiers have committed suicide since the Falklands than died during the conflict," he said.