IT IS a home for heroes - named after a true British hero.

Simon Weston suffered horrendous burns when his ship Sir Galahad was sunk during the Falklands War.

Yesterday he was in Southampton to open a new home, which supports men and women who have served their country in the armed forces.

He joined comedian Jim Davidson and Government minister Mike Penning to officially opened the new Care After Combat home, which helps ex-service personnel who have been to prison.

The charity, set up by Mr Davidson, helps them to avoid reoffending and also aids them with their rehabilitation needs.

Simon Weston House, in Southampton's Waterloo Road, will be used to provide accommodation for homeless veterans.

Simon Weston, who suffered 46 per cent burns when Sir Galahad was attacked by Argentine forces during the 1982 conflict, said: "I still care passionately about the service and ex-service people, but when a lot of them leave the armed forces they don't manage to get through that feeling of loss of identity and of belonging.

"The big problem is that the people have already made poor choices and if there is nothing there to support them they are going to make poor choices in the future.

"We don't want them to be a constant problem, if they get convicted then they struggle to get certain types of employment.

"To have it named after me is so flattering, it is very, very humbling. It is slightly embarrassing as well, I am a typical Brit who doesn't take praise very well."

Jim Davidson, the charity's chairman, who lives near Stockbridge, said: "A place like this is very important for the guys who can't quite cope with the transition to civilian life, and that can manifest itself in two years or five years out of the military."

Mike Penning, the minister for policing, fire and criminal justice and victims, and a former Grenadier Guardsman, said: "The opening of the house was quite emotional for me as an ex-Grenadier.

"The first time leaving the military is really difficult and this gives them an opportunity. They have served us and then made a mistake but do we write them off or do we give them a chance?"

PANEL - How the Simon Weston house will help Care After Combat, based in Whiteley, provides help and support for ex-servicemen and women, who are struggling to reintegrate into civilian life.

The charity has services to help former military personnel with alcohol abuse and to stop veterans who have been to prison from reoffending.

The home has 12 self contained flats, each with ensuite and kitchen facilities, and will act as a temporary home for homeless veterans before they find a permanent place to live While at the home, the veterans will be helped by the Care After Combat team in finding permanent residence, vocational training and employment.

Sergeant Steve Nichless, from the Royal Artillery, Army Reserve, who helped set up the home, said: "You never know when you leave the military if you are going to fall on hard times. The people who do, don't think they are going to end up in prison.

"I am sure they are good guys who have fallen on hard times and in the military we like to look after our own."