A WOUNDED army veteran from Peebles is gearing up for a go at taking his place at the Invictus Games.

James Hamilton was left with spinal and hand injuries, as well as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, after being blown up while on duty back in 2005.

The father-of-two was a driver with the Royal Logistics Corps in Iraq when he was injured by an improvised explosive device.

Now the former Corporal, five years after being medically discharged, is hoping to make the grade at the Invictus Games trials next week.

James, who has already competed in archery at the US Warrior Games two years ago, will take part in both the rowing and archery at Sheffield.

He told us: "I feel that being part of a team gives me the confidence - not just by improving in my chosen sports, but with interacting with other people in a positive way.

"For example, competing in a sporting competition allows me to excel or fail and not revert to bad habits and see the positive in any outcome.

“When I competed in the 2017 Warrior Games, the staff noticed there was a vast improvement in my self-confidence.

"I felt more comfortable and came out of my shell which I implemented into all aspects of my recovery and life.

"Whether it be arranging travel to training camps or interacting with doctors and children’s teachers, I feel I am more able to address these tasks.

"I also think it’s been really positive to have the opportunity to pass on my experience of coping with mental health issues to others to aid them in overcoming challenges.”

The Invictus UK trials will see up to 350 wounded, injured and sick veterans and service personnel take part in up to nine adaptive sports in a showcase of the power of sport on recovery.

Help for Heroes has trained and prepared the competitors.

Martin Colclough, Head of Sports Recovery at Help for Heroes, said: “The Invictus UK Trials will be a brilliant demonstration of the power of sport and we are here to help every individual exceed their personal recovery goals – be it to take part, set a personal best or take home a medal.

"We’re proud to continue our legacy of delivering outstanding sports recovery to wounded veterans, through Invictus UK.

“We’d invite anyone who wants to try something new as part of their recovery to get in touch with Help for Heroes. It’s not just about competing in sports at an elite level. Through our local Recovery Centres, we can offer grass roots activities, such as walking football, and access to nutrition, sleep hygiene and physical activity advice.”

All Invictus UK trials competitors can put themselves forward to become part of Team UK for the Invictus Games at The Hague in 2020.

Selection in the UK is based on potential recovery benefit, attitude and commitment, as well as performance.