A VETERAN is to return to where he fought in one of the Second World War's bloodiest battles.

Leonard Pearson, 79, of Keldregate, Deighton, is going back to Monte Cassino in central Italy next month.

Mr Pearson lied about his age and joined up in 1940 when he was 15.

Four years later he played his part in one of the most famous battles of the war.

The trip is being paid for by lottery cash and is part of the Veterans Return scheme, which aims to give people who fought in the war a chance to go back to the battlefields.

Mr Leonard, who is married to Barbara, 79, and has four daughters, said: "I am told the region is unrecognisable now, but I am looking forward to going back and seeing it again.

"I was in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. We landed first in North Africa and then made our way through Sicily and on to Monte Cassino.

"I read about the lottery scheme to help people go back to where they fought and thought I would apply.

"They asked me lots of questions to prove I had actually been there and then finally they offered me the chance.

"I am looking forward to it. My wife is not well enough to travel so my daughter, Elizabeth, is coming with me instead."

Mr Leonard, who has 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, worked as a miner after he left the Army in 1946.

He is flying out to Italy with other veterans on September 11.

The Battle of Monte Cassino was actually four separate battles fought over five months. It allowed Allied troops in the north and south of the region to link up and eventually capture Rome in June, 1944.