TWO former soldiers shared tales following the anniversary of the D-Day landings.

MP for Chingford and Woodford Green, Iain Duncan Smith - who served in the served in the Scots Guards from 1975 to 1982 - met residents at Avondale Nursing Home, in Snakes Lane West, Woodford Green as part of a special visit to mark the home’s 20th anniversary.

One resident, 83-year-old Ralph Walter Hawkins, who is recovering from a stroke, told Mr Duncan Smith MP about his service in the Irish Guards, who at the time of the D-Day landing were part of the Guards Armoured Division.

Mr Walter served as a field ambulance driver from 1943 to 1946, driving all over Europe. He was also part of the 30 Corps who took part in the attempted rescue of the British parachute brigade at Arnhem Bridge, as featured in the film “A bridge too far”, and has many medals.

Mr Duncan Smith MP paid visited residents on Friday, to help celebrate its birthday.

On June 6, a party was held, with guests including pearly kings and queens, morris dancers, singers, residents and dozens of relatives all to mark Avondale's two decades in business.