A VETERAN says it is "draining" to think that someone has his service medals after his house was burgled whilst he was on holiday.

David Broadhead, who lives in Rooksdown, said that he had to end his holiday early after hearing the news that thieves had broken into his house via the conservatory.

He served across the world, including in the Falklands and Gulf wars, in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

David said: "I have had those medals for nearly 40 years now and they have meant a lot to me.

"It is just so draining thinking that now somebody has got them because they are of no real value to anybody apart from me."

The medals are from the 1991 Gulf war, 1982 South Atlantic medal, 2002 and 2012 Jubilee medals and a long service medal.

He has replicas which he displays in his house, but keeps the originals in a safe, which was stolen.

He was burgled whilst away in Gran Canaria on October 9.

"It is devastating for something that I haven't worn for years but always know that they are there," he continued.

"I was possibly going to go to the Falklands Remembrance Parade in London to mark 40 years in 2022.

"To me they are very dear."

Hampshire Constabulary have been contacted for comment.