The York Press has won a victory in its campaign to reverse a Government decision to slash a war veteran's pension.

The paper's probe prompted a red-faced Government minister to admit they had made a mistake and make a public apology to his family in the House of Lords

The Press has been running a campaign to bring justice for Gulf War veteran Terry Walker, whose pension was cut by 60 per cent last Christmas.

His parents believe the stress caused by the "heartless" decision was the reason for him suffering a heart attack, which prompted failed transplant surgery in June and later his death at just 48.

Terry was invalided out of the Army in 1992, a year after serving in the Gulf War, his health in ruins. He suffered for the next 15 years from a range of problems including swollen joints and legs, blinding headaches, rashes, aches and post traumatic stress disorder.

In a letter to his father, the Service Personnel & Veterans Agency wrote: "After reconsidering the evidence we hold and seeking advice from the Agency's Policy Team, we have decided that it was not appropriate to reduce Terry's pension and I sincerely apologise for his error."

His family has now been paid £1,000 in arrears, as well as a £500 "consolatory payment" in recognition of the Government error.

The Press is to continue to campaign for Terry's war pension to be transferred to his two children, who were left with nothing after their father's pension was stopped on his death.

His father, Ted, said: "We'd like to thank everybody who has been so supportive. I know The Press has played a big part in this victory and we're very grateful."

The Rt Hon The Lord Morris of Manchester, who twice raised Terry's case in the House of Lords, added: "I think The Press has certainly helped. You helped put a lot of pressure on them with your campaign."

What was said in the House of Lords:

Lord Morris of Manchester: "Is it not deeply shaming that Gulf War veteran Terence Walker, whose case I raised orally earlier this year, his pension having been cut from 100 per cent to 40 per cent, died shortly after being left together with dependent children - to quote his own words - in "financial ruin"? What sort of appreciation does that betoken of those prepared to lay down their lives for this country?"

Minister of State for Defence, Lord Drayson: "The issue of Gulf War syndrome will be fully recognised by the MoD and I accept on behalf of the MoD that this issue has not been handled well from the beginning. The department was slow to recognise the emerging ill health issues and to put measures in place to address them. I should also like to apologise on behalf of the MoD to Mr Walker's family. The MoD made a mistake and it has written to the Walker family to make that clear."

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