THE SOUTHAMPTON veteran captaining the British team in the Invictus Games is keen to show what injured servicemen and women can do.

Dave Henson, 29, who lost his legs when he was blown up by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Helmand Province in February 2011, is competing in the sitting volleyball at the Games, as well as the 100m and 200m.

The former St George RC Boys School pupil, said: ''I want people to think 'Yes, that was a fantastic competition', but also, 'Bloody hell, these servicemen and women are something else, what can we do to make sure that this display and show of strength of character is a regular occurrence?'.

''I want people to be thinking 'What else can these guys do if we start giving them jobs or other focus - what else can they achieve?'.

''Most of all, I want people to see that we're here, and recognise these military guys and girls.''

Capt Henson, who grew up in Bitterne Park, said it was a ''huge honour'' to have been selected to captain Britain's team in the inaugural sporting event, but with his role came a certain amount of pressure.

''The boys and girls are remarkable and to be chosen to be their voice is a huge honour. It's definitely a lot of fun, they give me no end of banter,.

''It's a huge responsibility as well. I do feel like there's a lot of pressure on me to perform as an individual but also to make sure that the boys and girls are getting the most out of it and the public are too.''

The 29-year-old, from the Royal Engineers, said Team GB is looking good and ''raring to go''.

''We all checked in to the hotel on Sunday morning and there were legs and bikes and wheelchairs and dogs, all sorts of things. It was quite bizarre.''

He said his own training has gone well, despite trying to study for a Master's degree at the same time.

''I'm slightly ahead of where I thought I was going to be for the 200m, which is good,'' he said.

''I feel strong, I just hope I don't fall over. It's always a risk when you're running on two blades.''

Having Prince Harry championing the event is invaluable, he said, and the wounded, injured and sick servicemen in the team felt the prince could relate to them.

''They also have something in common with him. He has been on tour, he has been in the military. He knows what these guys are going through from a military point of view.

''He is hugely popular with the boys and girls but he's also hugely popular in a world audience, which enables him to generate popularity for our cause.''

Mr Henson said sport had helped him in his own journey to recovery, along with many of his team-mates.

''It's something I found, and it's something where, especially since these Games were announced in March, you see people on their different journeys.

''You can see a change in someone from a year ago, it really can play such a positive role in someone's recovery, it's fantastic to see.

''I don't really like the word disabled, but to have this kind of competition, not only do you get fantastic sport but you also get a human story.

''Just to see how much effort and strength people have had to put in.

''It's a massive achievement so people can see that human element and that drive and that determination.

''I think it's almost more inspirational than able-bodied sport in that respect.''