THE first British soldier to return to action after a heart valve replacement operation is coming back to the North-East to talk about Army life.

Lance Corporal Anthony Nolan, 32, from Yarm, near Stockton, spent four months in hospital last year, after his heart condition was diagnosed. He had a heart valve replaced at Papworth heart hospital, in Cambridgeshire.

Despite being told he would not be able to continue in the Army, he is now fighting fit and touring the region as part of an Army recruitment drive, Operation Northern Spirit.

He said: "When my condition was first diagnosed and the initial prognosis given, it was obviously a great shock, but I was determined to fight back and continue my Army career.

"I'm hopeful that I'll be back to full fitness in the next few months.

"The Army and all my colleagues have been extremely supportive during my illness, and I would definitely recommend an Army career."

L Cpl Nolan, a crew mechanic with the Light Dragoons, initially served in the Army between 1986 and 1992, before re-enlisting in 1999.

Operation Northern Spirit finishes on Saturday, at the Dolphin Centre, Darlington.