Paddy Ashdown with some of those involved in the re-enactment.
POLITICIAN Paddy Ashdown has praised a Hampshire-based attempt to recreate a daring Second World War raid.
Lord Ashdown launched charity the Pilgrim Bandits latest challenge to honour the courage of the men whose exploits inspired the film The Cockle-shell Heroes.
The New Milton-based charity helps injured servicemen take part in gruelling challenges.
Lord Ashdown, a former Royal Marine, made a documentary about the Cockleshell raid, when commandos canoed 60 miles up the River Gironde in France to attack German ships.
Injured soldier Jim Wilson, of New Milton is due to take part in the challenge.
Lord Ashdown was joined at the launch at the House of Commons by some of those involved in the re-enactment.
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