NEWSAGENT Mark Cartright is a living example of the Royal British Legion's work.

Although Remembrance weekend tends to concentrate thoughts on those who gave their lives during the two world wars, the legion is keen to stress its work with living ex-servicemen.

For the past two and a half years, Mark has run the Catterick Village newsagents and caf.

He served 23 years in the Army, after joining the Duke of Edinburgh Royal Regiment at 17.

During a career which took him to Hong Kong, Germany, Thailand, Cyprus, and Canada, he learned to drive anything with wheels or tracks.

But about a year before he was discharged at 40, he suffered a back injury - wrecking his plans for a working life behind the wheel.

Things looked grim until he was walking through the village where he and wife, Elizabeth, had made their home - and noticed the shop was up for sale.

A chat with the legion's Army resettlement team and an investigation of shop's prospects followed. Within months, he was in business.

Mark said: "I wouldn't say it's been easy. The hours are sometimes long and we've had to extend ourselves, but we have a loyal customer base and do well from passing trade.''

Legion small business advisor, Dick Tracey, said: "Mark wanted to buy a healthy business, and we were able to value it to ensure he paid the right amount.

"From there it was easy We helped Mark with his business plan and entrusted him with an interest-free loan, so he could go on to own and run a very successful enterprise.''