AN ANDOVER-based veteran has competed in a mock version of the Winter Paralympics.

Over 40 military veterans travelled to Wiltshire for the annual Phoenix Winter Games, hosted by military charity Help for Heroes, among them was Jill Collins, a Royal Navy veteran who lives in Andover.

The week kicked off with 15 Alaskan Malamutes pulling team members in a sledge dog race.

The participants rode down a 30m chute with their four-legged companions, hoping to achieve the fastest time and bring their team to victory.

Jill said: “This is my second year at the Phoenix Winter Games and it’s absolutely amazing.

“The dogs are amazing to work with.

“I think the games are lovely, it’s great camaraderie”

Jill was injured while serving and broke her back and injured her leg.

She said: “I was a physical training instructor for years so getting involved in things like this and being around the team is great.”

Participants were representing the Help for Heroes Recovery Centre they attend, which includes Tedworth House in Tidworth.

Paul Randall, centre manager at Help for Heroes said: “The games are designed to bring together wounded, injured and sick veterans and service personnel in a friendly yet competitive environment, where they can re-experience the camaraderie and social environment of the military.”