THE harsh realities of a war fought before they were even born were brought home to Thornleigh Salesian College students.

Argentinian Alejandro Vidlea and his Bolton host Les Standish fought on opposite sides during the Falklands War 20 years ago and first met when Mr Standish, who was serving with the Parachute Regiment, was escorting prisoners-of-war back to Argentina.

The war has had a lasting impact on both of them and so, during a visit to Bolton, the pair arranged to talk to students at Thornleigh Salesian College and Bolton School.

Pupils had a unique opportunity to question the former enemies about their experiences yesterday and both men stressed to their attentive audiences that the impact of war on individuals lasts much longer than the actual conflict.

Reconciliation and the fact that former combatants can become friends was another aspect of their hour long talk to sixth form students, with Mr Vidlea speaking through an interpreter. "We want to make the students aware, not so much of the war, but its after effects and that the feelings of both sides are identical," said Mr Standish.

Students Matthew Syddall, aged 16, and Kate Egan, aged 17, described the session as "eye opening".

"I was surprised," said Kate. "The war is something that happened and was over a long time ago but it still affects people."

"I think it is amazing they are doing this," said Matthew, adding that today's politicians, on the brink of taking us into another war, should talk to people like Mr Standish and Mr Vidlea before taking any action.

Mr Vidlea, who now works as a teacher in Santa Fe, Argentina, brought with him letters from pupils and Thornleigh Salesian College staff hope to start establishing links between students in the two countries.

Assistant headteacher Andrea O'Callaghan said the students have been fortunate to get such a unique insight into the Falklands War and its consequences.

"It has had a real impact on them," she said.