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Tuesday, 15 May 2007, 11:28 GMT 12:28 UK

McGregor meets Erskine war heroes

Ewan McGregor and friends Hollywood actor Ewan McGregor visited Scots war veterans before starting his latest epic motorcycle adventure across Europe and Africa.

McGregor and biking companion Charlie Boorman rode to the Erskine home to meet the veterans on Sunday.

They talked to 95-year-old Alex Lees, who was a prisoner at infamous Stalag Luft III, immortalised in the World War II movie The Great Escape.

Alex swapped beds with an officer on the escape list.

He also disposed of sand dug up during the building of an escape tunnel by carrying it in empty Red Cross boxes and mixing it with the surface soil.

Alex said: "It was a great privilege to meet both Ewan and Charlie. Seeing a Hollywood legend riding in on a motorbike, reminded me of Steve McQueen in the film.

"Ewan took a great deal of time to chat to the veterans and their families who gathered to meet the team and we are very grateful that he took time out from his long trip to visit Erskine."




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Related to this story:
Veterans' care home appeal issued (09 Nov 06 |  Glasgow and West )
Actor's brother launches tartan (18 Sep 06 |  North East/N Isles )
Minister pays tribute to veterans (27 Jun 06 |  Glasgow and West )

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