A Cumbrian soldier will represent his nation at the Invictus Games in Canada.

Luke Reeson, 29, a corporal in the Duke of Lancaster Regiment, has been selected to the Great Britain Invictus swimming team.

He spoke this week about the "massive importance" of swimming and the games.

Luke, from Cockermouth, was shot in both legs by the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2008 when he was just 23-years-old.

He was told recovery would take about a year, "but I am still here six years on".

He said he does not know how many operations, adding: "But I am told I have another one coming up."

Luke took up swimming after his injury.

"It is massive in my life," he explained. "It has helped me physically but also mentally. The mental recovery is probably harder than the physical.

"I took swimming lessons as a kid, the same as everyone else, but I had never swum competitively before. It has become so important to me now."

He is still in the army, based in Preston.

"Because I am still classed as being in recovery mode I am still a soldier. I would like to remain in the forces but I will eventually be retired out on medical grounds."

This is Luke's third Invictus Games having competed in London and in the United States last year.

He was selected for the September games in Canada at a recent competition weekend.

"Invictus is a fantastic experience. You are part of a team again," Luke said.

"The Invictus Games would never have happened without Prince Harry. He got them started. I would say that he has more respect from us than anyone else at all."

Luke will compete in at least four events - the 50m backstroke, freestyle and breaststroke and the 100m freestyle.

The British relay team will be selected at the games which means he may also be included in that race.

He won four medals at the last games and is hoping to repeat that success this time.

"It would be good to win but with the Invictus Games the important thing is taking part and being with all the other competitos," he said.