A Falklands War veteran who feels Britain has forgotten the sacrifices its soldiers made in the 1982 conflict is to make an emotional return to the south Atlantic islands.

Former paratrooper Geoff Johnston

Lorry driver Geoff Johnston, of Brunel Crescent, Grove, near Wantage, will visit the Falklands later this year with a group of more than 200 veterans to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the war with Argentina.

The conflict, which lasted more than two months, claimed the lives of 252 British service personnel, 655 Argentines and three Falkland Islanders.

Twenty years ago today, the British task force set sail to recapture the islands.

Mr Johnston said: "A lot of people have forgotten the war.

"To many, it's something that happened a long time ago and, okay, we got an away result, we got the three points, but people just don't know about it any more."

Mr Johnston, 52, formerly a lance corporal in 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment, said the conflict was an important part of the nation's history and needed a higher profile.

"Some people are still carrying the scars," he said.

His unit fought two major battles, at Goose Green and Wireless Ridge.

He said: "We were the first unit ashore and the first into battle at Goose Green. We were also the first into Port Stanley with the journalist Max Hastings at the end of the campaign.

"I'd like to spend a few days in Goose Green without 1,100 prisoners to look after."

The trip for the veterans, many of whom have severe physical and psychological disabilities from the fierce fighting, is being organised by the South Atlantic Medals Association (SAMA).

The veterans will travel on an airliner being chartered to fly from Gatwick via Gambia and Brazil on November 6.

They hope to stay with families on the islands and secure live television coverage in Britain of a special Remem- brance Sunday service from Port Stanley on November 10.

More information is available on the Internet at www.sama82.org.uk.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can contact Mr Connick on 01495 227577.