WINSFORD MP Antoinette Sandbach has graduated from the Parliamentary Armed Forces Scheme.

During the year-long scheme, Antoinette visited the Falkland Islands and engaged in discussions with the Government as well as laying a wreath for the fallen and cleaning a war memorial in Fitzroy Bay.

Antoinette said: “I know that sending our troops into conflict is one of the most difficult decisions an MP may have to vote on and it is for that reason that I decided to learn as much as possible about our armed forces and what our brave men and women who serve do on our behalf.

“It’s for that reason I joined the scheme and it’s been a real eye-opener.”

Antoinette’s father was in the Welsh Guards and explained that this trip had special significance for her as she spent a week on the army base learning about what our armed forces are doing to protect the island.

The MP also took part in a NATO exercise as well as attending an army training school.