FALKLANDS War hero Simon Weston will tomorrow be urging Valleys schoolchildren to get involved in the bid to restore the historic Newbridge Memo.

Mr Weston, who suffered horrific burn injuries during the Falklands conflict in 1982, will be speaking to a group of pupils aged 11 to 15 from local comprehensive schools.

The man who grew up in Valleys town Nelson will be stressing the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and ensuring that arts are accessible and affordable to everyone.

The Argus is the official newspaper of the Memo's bid to win the BBC's Restoration programme and clinch £3 million to restore the historic former cinema and dance hall.

The pupils will act out drama sketches and play musical pieces and they will also be given a guided tour of the Memo.

Voting in the Welsh regional round is due to take place on July 20. If the Memo wins it will then be in the national final, due to take place in August.

Tomorrow will be the first time that many of the school children have seen inside the building, as it has been closed for more than three decades.

Mr Weston, who is the founder of the Weston Spirit Trust - a charity for young people, will encourage pupils to join the campaign to restore the Memo.

"There used to be a time when there was a community theatre and miners' institute in every town in Wales and now there are very few left," he said.

"It is a part of our culture that is disappearing. We should be investing in the future by investing in the heritage of our past.

"As a passionate Welshman I fully support the work of the Friends of Newbridge Memo to restore this building."

Howard Stone, chairman of the Newbridge Memo, said the group is delighted to have Mr Weston's support for the project.