A SOLDIER who lost both of his legs in Afghanistan has proved it is no handicap after launching a new career in golf.

Gregg Stevenson, 26, played a round at the Queen’s private course at Windsor Castle to promote the work of a charity Gregg, from Foulridge, was injured in March 2009 when he stepped on an explosive while on foot patrol in Helmand Province.

But now, having learned to walk again using prosthetic legs, he has become an ambassador at the On Course Foundation, a charity set up to support injured servicemen and women.

Gregg, a former green beret army commando, who served with the 24 Engineer Regiment, took part in a competition on Monday at the Windsor Castle course. The charity’s patron Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, hosted the event.

Gregg said it had been a ‘fantastic experience’. He has now been made an ambassador for the charity, which will see him promote its work and organise fundraising.

He said: “I have now found a sport I love.

“I was completely lost and devastated when I realised that my military career had to come to an end. Through the On Course foundation, I have found a new lease of life with a clear sense of direction. Now I am about to embark on a very different but equally rewarding career.”

He first became involved with the charity when founder John Simpson, the former manager of Nick Faldo, met him in Headly Court rehabilitation Centre in Surrey, where he had been under-going intense physio-therapy.Gregg was one of the first ex-servicemen to be linked to the charity, which aims to promote participation in golf, because having prosthetic legs in not a major disadvantage.

After taking up golf just over a year ago he now plays off a handicap of 18.