Falklands hero Simon Weston visited Birmingham last night to appear as guest of honour at the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne dinner.

The event at the Hyatt Hotel was hosted by the Ordre’s chambellan Allan Sartori and welcomed also the Baron Yvan de Navacelle, The Earl of Bradford, Justin Llewelyn Consul General for the UK, Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands Clive Stone, the Deputy Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress Councillor Mike Sharpe and Thelma Sharpe, and other West Midlands dignitaries.

Mr Sartori said: “The city is privileged to welcome such a distinguished individual as Simon Weston to this event. His bravery and courage in the face of adversity is an inspiration to us all and it will be a great honour for guests to meet him.

“We should also be proud that Birmingham qualifies to be part of such an establishment and very traditional organisation. The officers and dames accepted into the order have an amazing and highly-skilled role in helping to promote the wines from champagne, their unique features, their way of consumption and everything that contributes to their reputation and image.”

The Ordre has been in existence for 350 years and has 5,000 members worldwide including professional restaurateurs, connoisseurs and personalities from the world of politics, media, stage and screen.