His recovery from severe burns has been well documented

The former Welsh Guardsman, from Nelson, south Wales, said he has no regrets about the severe facial burns he suffered.

But he urges people to believe him when he says there is nothing glamorous or glorious about war.

The Sir Galahad was bombed by a jet on 8 June 1982, just six days before the Argentinian surrender.

Mr Weston described the attack as a vivid memory that would stay with him forever.

"The heat, the choking smoke ... people on fire everywhere.

"You see colours and lights at those moments of your life that will never disappear - incredible swirling, deep greys and blacks, the vibrant oranges and reds and yellows.

The former Welsh Guardsman does not regret being injured

"I was just very lucky to get out alive - a lot of my friends didn't."

The former soldier has managed to rebuild his life, founding the Weston Spirit charity to help the development of young people.

But he remains bitter at the lack of support he received after leaving the army.

"You give everything but the system gives nothing back," he said.

"Nobody told you that you would finish now, that you would suffer depression, that you would feel lower than low, you'd feel suicidal."

Positive outlook

Mr Weston, who is now married with three children, said he has a lot to be thankful for and is determined to take a positive attitude to life.

"I've survived and I've ended up being able to fall in love with somebody that loves me back," he added.

Simon Weston says he has a lot to be thankful for

"The complaints I have are so irrelevant and trivial - if you didn't have them you wouldn't realise how much good you had going on in your life anyway."

Returning to the Falklands 20 years after the war with Argentina reinforced his belief in the futility of armed conflict.

"There are no winners in war - I think we're all losers because we have to do it.

"There's nothing glamorous or glorious or wonderful about conflict.

"There's nothing wonderful about killing people.

"It's just one of those things - it's war."

Simon's People - BBC One - Tuesday 2 April, 2100 BST.