VETERAN Ron Darke might have long-since retired from armed service but he still has the welfare of British servicemen at heart.

The 65-year-old, who last had a tattoo done more than half a century ago, has had the logo of military charity Help for Heroes drawn on his back.

Grandfather-of-five Mr Darke has raised more than £220 for the charity through sponsorship.

The former soldier, who served with 1st Battalion the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment, said: "I haven't had a tattoo done since 1959, but I wanted to get it done to raise awareness of the charity.

"The work they carry out to help casualties of war is vital and having served in the army I appreciate what they do for soldiers.

"Everybody I've spoken to has said it's a tremendous thing for people to do, because it isn't something you see often from people of my age and a lot of people are keen to give money.

"It's a unique tattoo as well, so I'm very proud of it."

Priors Road resident Mr Darke, who served for 22 years in tours to Guyana, Libya, Germany and Northern Ireland, sent the money to the charity this week.

His skin has now healed and he was able to show off the design for the first time since going under the needle on November 19.

Ron's wife Georgina, 66, said: "It's a brilliant thing Ron has done and it's absolutely fantastic that he has managed to raise the money as well."

Mr Darke, who had the work done at No Regrets in High Street, retired in 1985 and was landlord of The Royal Hotel in Charlton Kings, before becoming a caretaker.

And the parlour's management decided to do their bit by donating the £75 fee to the charity.

No Regrets owner Ben Lakin said: "We gave our share of the tattoo fees to the charity because it seemed like the right thing to do.

"It's a worthy cause because the people who go out to Afghanistan and other places for us. We don't get many people having tattoos like this, but it is a good thing to do."

TROOPS HONOURED, P13