A VETERAN who took up art after being left scarred by the horrors of war joined other traumatised servicemen for a special exhibition of their work.

Darren Horsnell, 51, along with fellow members of the Bacup-based support charity, Veterans in Communities, and ex-servicemen from across the country, welcomed more than 100 visitors to their display at Alder Grange School in Rawtenstall on Saturday.

Mr Horsnell, who served in the Army during the Falklands and the Troubles in Northern Ireland, said: “I served in the Army for 11 years. I was injured in the Falklands and my home was blown up during the Woolwich Barracks bombings in 1983.

“After suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, my marriage breaking down, and beccoming homeless, I couldn’t speak about any of my experiences in combat.

“But I went to a Combat Stress support group session and started to draw and found that what I couldn’t express verbally, I could transfer onto paper.

“Now, I teach it to other veterans. I’ve had one guy, who had never drawn before, start crying after finishing his first painting.

“I know what I get out of art and to be able to pass that on to other veterans is so much better than any medication.”

In total, 136 works went on display by 35 artists. They ranged from sket-ches to paintings, poetry to sculpture.

Mr Horsnell, from Haslingden, said: “It has been brilliant. To see their faces when they see people’s reaction to their work and for them to be able to discuss their art with people who are interested in it is very rewarding. We have sold quite a few pieces as well.”

Coun Anne Cheetham, who visited the exhibition, said: “These are so professional and will have a great significance for the artist who has painted them.

Independent judges surveyed the work and awarded three ‘distinguished’ awards to VIC artists Mr Horsnell, Dave Joddrell and Liz Taylor.