Peter McWatt, 46, of Bradworth Drive, Osgodby, is a standard bearer for the Merchant Navy and is delighted to have been chosen as one of just 250 veterans to make the trip.

He said: “It’s great because I always wanted to go back. It will be an emotional trip because this will be the first time I have been back in 25 years since the war.

“I am looking forward to seeing how it has changed and to what extent, particularly St Carlos because that’s where I spent most of the time.

“Plus, it will be nice to see the islanders because I never got the chance back then.”

For the father-of-three, who now works as a postman, the news caps a memorable year, which has seen him meet Prince Charles, Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher.

Mr McWatt met them at a reception after attending the Falklands commemorative march in London in June.

He was then invited to an exclusive event at St James’ Palace.

He said: “I’ve been lucky this year. To get to have lunch at the palace was just unbelievable.”

A number of events have been organised for the veterans when they touch down on the islands on Monday.

Mr McWatt said: “I am actually there for Remembrance Sunday so we will be attending a number of services of remembrance.”

The party will be greeted by the islanders, with whom they will be staying for the duration of the trip.

At the age of 20, Mr McWatt was working as a steward on North Sea Ferries when the vessel was requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence to carry troops to the South Atlantic.

The Norland was modified and set sail from Portsmouth on April 26 1982 with the 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment on board and joined the task force at the Ascension Islands.

Mr McWatt is still in touch with friends from the ship and went to a reunion in Hull earlier this year.