FROM washing their uniforms in petrol to bartering tea with the Arabs - veterans of the Second World War explained what life was like to a new generation of Swanage youngsters.

Swanage Middle School welcomed 31 visitors with war memories to talk with Year 6 - the 11-year-olds.

D-Day veteran Brian Guy, 77, making his 12th annual visit to the school, said: "I think this is a good idea as it opens up the eyes of youngsters to what it was all about."

Bovington Tank Museum volunteers Ron Huggins and Harry Webb set up a display of equipment, gas masks, rations and everyday items from military life.

As part of the British 8th Army Ron fought at Dunkirk, North Africa, Italy, Austria and finished in Germany.

Teacher Elizabeth Donnelly who organised the event said: "You can watch TV programmes and read books about the war but it is nothing like talking to someone who experienced it."