A FORMER soldier hopes to launch a residential wood-work school for soldiers left physically and mentally scarred by war.

His proposed rural retreat for amputees will be built at disused stables at Tarnside Farm, Crosthwaite – if it gets the go-ahead from the Lake District National Park Auth-ority.

Lt. Col Guy Harnby, who plans to fund renovations, said the stables and disused buildings would form wood-work studios and residences for soldiers, as part of new charity Wood for Wounded.

If plans are approved, the first four soldiers could be welcomed by the end of next year and begin a year of three ten-week terms to create a portfolio of woodwork.

Between terms, Lt Col. Harnby said the base would be used as holiday residences for disabled people.

The 50-year-old, who is currently studying woodwork at Edinburgh’s Chippendale International School of Furn-iture, hopes to get instructors on board to teach woodwork skills at Crosthwaite.

Lt. Col Harby served in the army in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Iraq and later worked in 'casualty manage-ment', informing families when relatives had been injured.

He has launched Wood for Wounded, which has two trustees, to support soldiers disabled by bomb blasts and conflict.

“In times of recession the armed forces are under pres-sure. There’s a limit to what they can do,” he said.

“You end up lying in the bath at night wondering what you can do yourself - and this was my idea.

“If we’re going to get soldiers to recover and prepare them for a career in civilian life, then here is the perfect place to do it.

“When the weather is good we can go walking, play football or try out the canoes at Bowness.

“I hope in the future we can get as many as 15 students living here, and they can all gain a sense of independence.

“I want soldiers to recover from a traumatic time knowing they can create something new.”

After building work is finished, Lt. Col Harnby’s charity will run on donations, money left in legacies and support grants.