A drop-in centre for veterans set up by the parents of a hero Scots soldier killed in Afghanistan has been officially opened today.

Bob and Jem Wright set up The Mark Wright Project, which gained charity status in July this year, to help ex-service people.

Their son Corporal Wright, 27, a paratrooper with the 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment, which was stationed in Helmand Province, died in September 2006.

He was posthumously awarded the George Cross, one of the highest awards in the UK for acts of gallantry, after being killed while attempting to save fellow soldiers from a minefield in Afghanistan.

The parents said they wanted to do something to help soldiers whose army career has been cut short through physical or emotional injury.

His father said: "I think Mark would be proud of us creating something positive that will help our lads and lassies."

The centre in Dalkeith, near Edinburgh, provides therapies, counselling and information for veterans.

It was officially opened by Corporal Wright's commanding officer, Colonel Stuart Tootal. Former comrades of the fallen soldier also attended.