POOLE students have described a college visit by an injured army officer as “truly inspirational.”

Major Phil Packer gained a special place in the nation’s hearts after completing the London Marathon on crutches in 14 days.

The major, who has raised more than £1.3million for charity since being severely injured in an Iraqi rocket attack in 2008, spent yesterday at Bournemouth and Poole College’s North Road campus.

The army hero was joined by students on an eight-mile leg – 16 laps around the campus – of his epic 2,012 mile UK walk in order to raise awareness of the British Inspiration Trust (BRIT).

Bournemouth and Poole College student Anthony Bull, aged 17, said: “He was amazing. We spoke about my brother who is in the army and is about to go out to Afghanistan.”

Student Tom Silvester, aged 19, said: “The whole day was inspirational.”

Meanwhile, 18-year-old life skills student Joseph Lopez, said: “I chatted to him and he really was inspirational.

“He told me about why he does what he does and what his life was like before being injured.”

Today, the major will walk another eight-mile leg at Bournemouth University.

Major Packer said: “The charity is about providing a physical legacy for our young people who face their darkest times.

“I hope that 2,012 businesses will show their support for young people who face adversity by creating a Centre of Inspiration Together.”

Part of his mission is to raise £15million for a BRIT Centre of Inspiration to help young people re-build their lives.

The major was warned he may never walk again after the rocket attack left him with severe spinal cord injuries.

However, since then he’s tackled a number of physical challenges including rowing the English Channel and completing a skydive.