VETERANS of the Second World War will be given free passports to travel to France for the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

The announcement came in time for today's 59th anniversary of the start of the Allied liberation of mainland Europe.

The veterans and their partners will be handed special one-year passports to help keep down the costs of journeying to Normandy for next year's memorial celebrations. The normal cost of a passport is £33.

John Hewlett, chairman of the Royal British Legion's Worcester branch, said he was very happy with the news.

"It is wonderful news," said Mr Hewlett, who was a Chief Petty Officer in the Merchant Navy. "We have been pushing for this for some time.

"I'm very pleased about it and the Government was right to do it for the chaps who went out there."

City MP Mike Foster, who took his family to visit the Normandy beaches last June, today welcomed the news.

"We must help as many veterans as possible attend the various remembrance events that will take place, and allow them to visit France to remember and honour their fallen colleagues," he said.

"The bravery of those who fought in the Second World War must not be forgotten.

"Their courage and sacrifices changed the course of history and liberated Europe from Nazi oppression."

The Labour MP added: "I'm lucky enough to have visited the site of the Normandy landings, and the huge American cemetery overlooking the beaches where so many men lost their lives.

"It is an experience neither I nor my family will forget. That is why I am so grateful to the Home Office for making it possible for veterans to also make this journey."

n The Evening News would like to speak to any war veteran intending to visit the Normandy beaches next year. Contact our newsdesk by calling 01905 74 22 44 or write to: Newsdesk, Evening News, Hylton Road, Worcester, WR2 5JX.