OLD soldier Dennis Bounsall crossed the world to see a piece of his artwork dedicated to the Dorset Regiment on show in Dorchester.

The former stretcher-bearer, who was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for saving fallen comrades during the Second World War, included a visit to the Keep military museum during a trip back to the UK from his home in New Zealand.

He was able to see the stained glass panel he created to celebrate the regiment during his years of service from enrolling as a boy soldier in 1936 until he left in 1958.

Curator Charles Cooper said: "The panel is a marvellous piece of work. It arrived a few weeks ago and we've displayed it with a back light but eventually we'd like to put it on show where daylight will light it, possibly in the atrium.

"It's a very attractive piece and we've had a lot of comments from visitors about how much they like it. It is unique and beautifully done.

"Dennis is clearly a man of many talents. He was a musician and played in the regimental band and was an artist. He also made a stained glass panel that he donated to a museum in Asnelles in France, commemorating the part the Dorsets played there in the war.

Charles said: "He joined the Dorsets here at the Keep in 1936 and went to India with them. He's a rare breed having taken part in three assault landings, in Sicily, Italy and Normandy for D-Day, and not many survived that lot."

Dennis is now in his late 80s and as interested in life and his beloved regiment as ever.

Charles said: "He was delighted with the museum here and had a good look round at our new gallery and went out on the roof to enjoy the view of Dorchester from there."