YOUNGSTERS will get to meet Falklands veterans and royalty face-to-face in Worcester in the build up to the biggest gathering outside London to mark the 25th anniversary of the war.

Young people are central to the commemoration being organised in the city on Saturday, October 27.

Organisers the Worcester Trafalgar Commemorative Group say an encampment' may be set up in the CrownGate shopping centre with displays where young people can meet Falklands veterans face-to-face.

A member of the royal family is expected to attend and possibly some iconic figures from the conflict, including the soldier pictured raising the British flag as troops reclaimed the Falklands Islands.

Group member and historian Terry Langman, who is working with a team of 20 organisers to put on the event, wants youngsters to learn first-hand about the experiences of troops on the front line of the conflict.

He said: "These people who fought in the Falklands were heroes. Veterans will be on duty to talk to anyone, particularly schoolchildren, about what they did and how it affected them.

"This is a golden opportunity to talk to people. These people put their lives on the line for you and me. The least we can do is try and honour their achievement.

"Some have suffered. We're not good at looking after our returning heroes.

"We need more young people to come in on this. We need young people so we can have a future. We want their enthusiasm and optimism. We will try and offer direction and they will inspire it."

Mr Langman is also trying to organise a 2,000-word essay competition on the role of the Royal Navy for students across the UK in a bid to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by veterans.

Between 2,000 and 3,000 veterans are expected to attend a 25th Anniversary Task Force Parade from Silver Street, along City Walls Road and College Street to the cathedral for a special commemorative service.

Events are also expected to take place in London and the Falklands themselves between June 12 and June 17 to mark the end of hostilities in the 1982 conflict.

Anyone who can help with the Worcester event can e-mail Terry Langman at dishonour2000@yahoo.co.uk