Mr Weston received an OBE for his charity work

The Falklands War veteran, who received horrific injuries in the conflict, addressed foster carers in Powys on Wednesday.

He drew on his experiences of life during his talk in Llandrindod Wells.

Mr Weston founded Weston Spirit, a national youth charity tackling issues of social exclusion.

Aged 44 and originally from Nelson in south Wales, he was left badly scarred by an Argentine air force attack on the troop ship Sir Galahad.

Twenty-two of a 30-man platoon from the Welsh Guards, of which Mr Weston was a part, died in the air strike in 1982.

I am a strong believer that you can achieve positive outcomes from adversity Simon Weston

He spoke at the one-day conference in Llandrindod Wells which was jointly staged by the Fostering Network Wales and Independent Fostering Providers.

Foster carers, potential carers and local government officials from around Wales were among the delegates.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Mr Weston said: "I hope the message people will take from the conference will be that despite their backgrounds, children can make something out of their lives.

He added that people in the foster care industry provided stability and boundaries for young people and he hoped carers realised how vital and appreciated they were.

'Purposeful life'

"Children and young people in foster care come from different backgrounds and have different needs, some may be vulnerable or at risk, others may lack confidence or self-esteem," said Mr Weston.

"I am a strong believer that you can achieve positive outcomes from adversity.

"Every young person should have support, choice and opportunity to enable them to lead a bright and purposeful life as they enter their journey into adulthood."

Weston Spirit has 11 centres throughout England and Wales, including two in Cardiff and Merthyr Tydfil.