A 71-year-old former paratrooper is set to go through the same gruelling selection process he first tackled as a 17-year-old, to help injured soldiers.

Robert Perryment of Church End, Barley will join hundreds of fundraisers at RAF Catterick on Sunday, to take on the Pegasus Company pre-parachute selection course to raise money for wounded soldiers returning from Afghanistan and other recent conflicts.

He said: “A few months ago I was listening to the commanding officer of 2 Para, who had just returned from Helmand Province, talking about their recent tour of duty there.

“We are all aware that some of our brave lads make the ultimate sacrifice, but many more come home seriously injured. It is very hard for these lads to readjust to life in Civvy Street, especially if they have also got to come to terms with being partially disabled.

“I decided then and there that it was time for me to load up my rucksack and lace up my boots for another gallop around the P Coy course.”

The cross-country all terrain 10-mile course must be tackled with a 35lb rucksack and Robert hopes his efforts in a target time of around two-and-a-half hours will raise hundreds of pounds for the Parachute Regiment Charity.

To give him and injured soldiers your support, go to www.justgiving.com/Robert-Perryment