DORSET Council has shown its appreciation to those that served during the Falklands War in 1982.

This Saturday, April 2 marks the 40th anniversary of the start of the Falklands War, which lasted 74 days after Argentine forces invaded the British-owned isles.

A total of 255 British personnel lost their lives, and seven ships were lost due to enemy action following weeks of intense fighting, before Argentine forces surrendered on June 14 of that year.

Around 30,000 sailors, marines, soldiers, airmen and merchant mariners served during the war - and large numbers of them live in Dorset.

Cllr David Walsh, Armed Forces Champion for Dorset Council, said: "We know there are many veterans of the Falklands War who still struggle with physical and mental scars, and some have faced life challenges or hardships since the war ended.

"Through the Armed Forces Covenant and links to health and wellbeing services, welfare, housing and employment, support is available for both current and past members of the Armed Forces and their families."

An Armed Forces Day commemoration will take place in Weymouth on June 18 and 19.

For more, visit: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/your-community/the-armed-forces-covenant