New wing for Llandudno St Dunstan's centre to aid blind

The Poppy wing will open later this year

A rehabilitation centre for blind servicemen and women has received a £2.6m boost thanks to the Royal British Legion.

St Dunstan's in Llandudno has used these funds to create a new high dependency unit for serving and ex-servicemen at the former North Wales Medical Centre.

It is named the Poppy Wing, in recognition of its benefactors.

It will have with 10 beds, a gym, arts and crafts room and training kitchen.

The wing will look to help those from the armed services from Wales and the north west of England who have lost their sight through injury, illness or old age to gain independence.

Robert Leader, chief executive of St Dunstan's, said: "The unit is essential to ensure St Dunstan's can continue in its mission to enable blind ex-service personnel to live independent, full lives.

'Fantastic work'

"This is a wonderful example of organisations working together to ensure that our brave troops receive the help they urgently need to cope with the challenges of blindness and other injuries, especially at a time when men and women are returning from current conflict wounded every day."

Royal British Legion director general, Chris Simpkins, said: "The legion has taken care of serving and ex-service people and their families for 90 years and continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with all who serve.

"It's an honour to support the fantastic work of St Dunstan's through our external grants and we're delighted that the new unit will be named the Poppy Wing, in recognition of our donation."

The Poppy Wing is part of an on-going renovation and expansion project to provide further rehabilitation and training and will be ready for use later this year.