Twenty years ago Caesar Fragni's father went to war with the British. Today Caesar became the first Argentinian soldier to train with the paras since the liberation of the Falkland Islands. Kate Bowman reports.

Two decades ago they were deadly enemies. Yesterday the British and Argentinian armed forces embraced each other like long lost friends.

Caesar Amadeo Fragni - a member of the elite Argentine parachute regiment - became the first officer to train with his British counterparts since the battle for the South Atlantic archipelago in 1982.

Afterwards not even the persistent drizzle could dampen the enthusiasm with which he embraced his new found comrades.

Speaking after a ceremony at Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire, Lt Fragni said it had been an "honour" and a "privilege" to work alongside the British Army.

Twenty years ago his father, a retired colonel, served his country during the Falklands War - a conflict that cost 712 Argentine lives.

The war also cost many British lives and Lt Fragni must have felt a degree of apprehension when he was selected for the delicate bridge building exercise.

He said: "The people here were very kind and friendly. It has been a very positive visit and I have learned a great deal. It is important that I have seen the human side to the English army.

"This visit is important for me, for my father and for my army. I was selected to come and feel that it is a privilege and an honour."

Before the Falklands conflict Britain and Argentina enjoyed a strong relationship.

The South Americans were also keen buyers of British military equipment - several of their warships were built in the UK - and their soldiers were regular visitors to this country.

"The level of training here is very different to at home," he admitted. "We haven't the time or the money to change our resources but I have learned a lot of things here that I will take home with me."

Relations between Britain and Argentina have been steadily improving ever since regular flights to the island resumed in 1999.

Captain Kevin Robison, who trains parachute regiment recruits at the Garrison, will be accompanying 1st Lt Fragni when he flies home on Wednesday.

Captain Robison served in the Falklands War and sees the exchange as a great opportunity.

"I am going to Argentina with an open mind," he said. "I am keen to see how people are trained over their and I think this is a wonderful chance to meet veterans who fought like I did in the war. I feel I am doing my bit to continue the relationship that is gradually strengthening between the Argentinian and the British Armies.

"We are soldiers who have fought battles for our governments and our country. Win or lose, as time goes on grudges should not be held between the military."