A BLIND 98-year-old Second World War veteran who was embroiled in a High Court battle because he wanted to leave a care home has told a judge how he is “living again” after returning to his bungalow.

Former Royal Navy gunner Douglas Meyers, who lives in Southend, said he was unhappy in the care facility and wanted to end his life in

the bungalow which was his home for 40 years.

Earlier this year, Mr Justice Hayden decided that Mr Meyers might be able to return home.

The judge, who analysed evidence at a trial in the Family Division of the High Court, said the “ideal solution” would be for Mr

Meyers to return home with a “suitable package of support”.

He is now overseeing developments at follow-up hearings in London.

Social services bosses at Southend Council have welfare responsibility for Mr Meyers and had asked the judge to make a decision about what was in the veteran’s best interests.

Lawyers representing Southend Council told Mr Justice Hayden at a follow-up hearing last week that Mr Meyers had returned home.

He has now spoken to the judge via a telephone link at a further hearing.

He said he was enjoying being back in his bungalow and added: “I have had eight days of living again.”

Mr Justice Hayden told Mr Meyers that he had to be pleasant to social workers and carers visiting him home and co-operate with them.

The judge said he wanted the pensioner to smile at helpers “until your teeth hurt”.