A war hero once told he would never walk again has taken on the challenge of walking 2,012 miles across every county of the UK.

Phil Packer, vice president of the Children’s Trust based in Tadworth, suffered devastating spinal cord injuries in 2008 during a rocket attack in Basra, Iraq, while serving in the armed forces.

Mr Packer came to the trust on November 29 as part of his BRIT 2012 Challenge - the equivalent of 310 marathon distances in 331 days - that ends on December 18.

He said: "It was great to be back at the trust again and having everybody keep me company as I continued on my challenge! It is like coming home."

After making an an incredible recovery with the support of the Headley Court rehabilitation centre, Epsom, Mr Packer has gone on to row the English Channel and complete in the London Marathon twice.

Rosemarie Glithero, leisure and activity coordinator at the trust, said: "We were delighted to see Phil again and honoured that we were able to give him some company on two of his 2012 miles.

"He is such an inspirational man, especially to the children here that perhaps are learning to walk again themselves after suffering a brain injury."

For more information visit www.philpacker.com and www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk.