A Neyland soldier helped to raise £160,000 for wounded troops when his paintings were auctioned off at a prestigious charity event last month.

Colour Sergeant Barry John, of 2 Battalion of the Royal Welsh, auctioned off 20 paintings at the Square Mile Salute, at London’s Guildhall, which raised money for Help for Heroes, Royal British Legion, and ABF The Soldiers Charity.

C/Sgt John said many of his paintings were a true reflection of his life in the forces, and that his canvas HMS Victory sold for £10,000.

He said: “It was a great to see them sold, with proceeds going towards such a good cause. That is partly the reason why I first started painting, to raise awareness of important services charities that aid the recovery and rehabilitation of soldiers. “ C/Sgt John said the auction idea followed a recommendation from prolific Welsh painter Andrew Vicari.

He said: “It is fantastic exposure for me, especially when the likes of Raymond Blanc bid for one of my paintings.”

C/Sgt John, who was awarded an MBE last year for his service in the forces, served as an army recruiting officer in Haverfordwest before rejoining the Welsh Regiment in Tidworth.

He will be exhibiting at the Waterfront Gallery, in Milford Haven, on April 20th.