Injured military veterans have been training students at Helston Community College in a bid to improve their confidence.

The exercise has been run as part of a pilot project called Active Plus, involving veterans who have suffered physical injuries or post traumatic stress disorder.

With time served in the military from the Royal Navy to Special Forces and the Army, each veteran has different experiences and skills that they have shared with the students.

The aim has been to develop ways in which parents and students can work together with the veterans as their role models.

Training has focussed on skills the veterans learned in the field. The course covered a range of activities including squad drill, personal safety, map reading, problem solving and first aid.

There was also support for unemployed parents, as well as a structured programme promoting teamwork and communication for school leavers, to help them prepare for their time in college.

Tim Cocks, director of Active Plus, said: “It is great to see the injured military veterans utilising their skills and experience to support families involved with Helston College.

“We are indebted to Cornwall Works and the West Cornwall Youth Trust for the funding and support that not only benefits local families but raises confidence and self-worth in our veterans.

“Both Helston Community College and Helston Phoenix Project have provided the support that allows us to deliver the course to the right people.”

Karen Harvey, co-ordinator for Helston Community College, said: “I am very proud that we are part of a team through the Helston Phoenix Project in partnership with Active Plus, and I hope we are able to continue for many years to come with the funding to do so.”