Local MP Simon Hart has spent a week in the Falkland Islands learning more about the Army and Navy operations that keep the islands safe.

Whilst there he met a sailor from Pembrokeshire who is a part of the active operation that continues almost three decades after the conflict.

He also took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Welsh Guards memorial at Bluff Cove, the spot where the RFA Sir Galahad sank, killing 32 Welsh Guardsmen. One of those killed was Guardsman Gareth Poole, whose father Ray now lives in Tenby.

"It was a very beautiful and poignant place and whilst we were there a group of returning veterans who had been involved in the landings came and shared their memories," said Mr Hart.

"I remember the Falklands Conflict well so it was fascinating to tour places such as Mount Tumbledown, Goose Green and Mount Harriet and to see what remains of the war – the abandoned Argentine field kitchens, the minefields and observation posts."

He also spent a night on the Type 2 Destroyer HMS York and it was there that he met Leading Weapon Engineering Technician Owen Phillips - who is practically his neighbour back home in Pembrokeshire.

"As we bunked down with the men in the extremely cramped quarters where they live for months at a time we discovered that he lived in Ludchurch about two miles from my home – I'm not sure who was more surprised!"

The trip was organised by the Armed Forces Parliamentary Group scheme which aims to give MPs an insight into what life is like for their constituents who are in the services.

"It's easy to forget that the Falklands is still a live operation for British forces as it so far away and the Conflict was almost three decades ago," added Mr Hart. "But it was fascinating to witness firsthand the conditions that our navy and army serve in and to hear their concerns and queries."