A veteran from Stockport is starring in a new docudrama series.

Loz Moore from Marple has both advised on and performed in a new series about commando raids in the Second World War, to be shown on French streaming service Canal+.

The 44-year-old will be taking on the role of Corporal Bill Sparks, in an episode about Operation Frankton – the Cockleshell Heroes.

He's also been acting as a specialist military advisor to the production team for the four-part series, which recreates famous Commando raids from the war.

The episode he's involved in will focus on an allied mission against a German fleet in 1942. In July of that year, a group of 10 marines were dropped off in kayaks, by a submarine on the Atlantic Coast near the French port of Bordeaux, with a mission to attack the German fleet moored there.

They had to paddle 85 miles in treacherous sea conditions, to attach limpet mines to the ships, and then try to escape overland through to neutral Spain. 

"I feel it's a real honour to be part of this Canal+ project and that I'm showing what veterans can contribute", Loz said.

Loz served for 12 years in the Mercian Regiment. His army career was cut short in 2015 by severe PTSD - but since then, he's created a new chapter in his life and started a veterans' support organisation with two former Royal Marines, Matt Sharp and Steve Martindale.

The organisation - called Cockleshell22 - helps organise expeditions for veterans to the sites of famous Commando raids. 

It's precisely this expertise on the raids which made Loz a perfect fit for the new production.

Loz served for 12 years in the Mercian Regiment (Image supplied)

Loz credits the charity Help for Heroes as crucial in both getting him back on his feet and in inspiring him and the team to start Cockleshell22.

"As part of my recovery with Help for Heroes, I took part in a number of expeditions organised by the charity", he said.

"Being with like-minded people and working as a team again helped me to get back on my feet. 

"I realised that more veterans could benefit from experiences like this – so along with Matt and Steve, and other members of the group, we've been organising expeditions based on famous Commando raids in places like the Falklands, Norway and Bordeaux.

"The feedback we've had from veterans has been really positive, with people travelling from all over the country and even as far as New Zealand to take part. It's so good to know that we're playing our part in helping other veterans overcome their challenges."

"I think it is so important to take the first step and ask for help when you need it. Charities like Help for Heroes are there for veterans and can help them get back on their feet, no matter what the challenges are. Once you're on the road to recovery, you're then able to pay it forward, like I'm doing. You can make a positive change."

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