AN injured soldier who inspired a new Dorset holiday home for disabled members of the armed forces cut the ribbon for its official opening.

Fundraising for the £250,000 log cabin began two years ago after Rifleman Jack Otter’s mother Helen emailed Swanage Regatta and Carnival committee asking if there were any caravans in the town that could accommodate the 21-year-old double amputee.

Jack, of Enfield, had enjoyed holidays in Swanage since he was eight, but after being injured in Afghanistan, doubted whether it would be possible to continue.

The cabin, called Heroes Haven, can accommodate up to six people at a time, giving severely disabled servicemen and women the chance to have a seaside holiday with their families.

The lodge, at Herston Leisure campsite, measures 41ft by 20ft and is wheelchair accessible with wide doors, lowered kitchen worktops, raised lavatory and wet room. It will be open for 50 weeks of the year.

Steve Churchill, chairman of the Heroes Haven trustees committee, said local organisations and individuals had really backed the project.

“We’ve had grants from Help for Heroes, the Talbot Village Trust and Royal British Legion, but a lot of the money has come from the community. It’s touched their hearts in so many different ways. They just felt they wanted to support it,” he said.

“The fundraising has taken our lives over for two years. When Jack went in with his wheelchair and looked around, he was virtually in tears. He said: ‘Steve, thank you, this is fantastic’.

“When you see someone who’s suffered the injuries Jack has and the smile this has put on his face, it makes it all worthwhile.”

Jack and his mother stayed in the cabin for the weekend and are already planning to return. Falklands veteran Steve said there had been a lot of interest from others. “One of the committee will be up there when people arrive to welcome them and show them around. It’s nice to meet them and say ‘if there are any problems, give us a call’.”

Fundraising is continuing to cover maintenance costs and donations can be made on the website heroes-haven.org.uk