Story originally posted on 12 March 2010.

Hollywood actor Ray Winstone made a morale-boosting visit to Selly Oak Hospital, where he met military patients and many of the staff who care for them.

The actor, famous for his portrayals of hard-men in television and film, visited as part of the CSE (Combined Services Entertainment), the organisation which schedules shows and visits to troops at home and abroad.

The British star was briefed by Major Ian Cheesman, Officer Commanding Patient Support Services, before being taken to Selly Oak's military-managed trauma ward where he met with clinical staff and individual military patients.

Mr Winstone visited all the patients and their families, signing autographs and listening to their personal stories.

He said: "It was inspiring and extremely humbling to meet with the staff and soldiers. You can try to prepare yourself for the experience, but watching the way the staff react with the patients and the courage of these young men is amazing. This visit is something that will stick with me for a very long time.'

Major Cheesman said: 'These visits are always a great morale boost for the wounded military personnel and for the staff as well. It's good for them to know that they have support from all over the country."