The Royal British Legion is calling on people to help spread the message to D-Day veterans who are eligible for a fully funded trip to this year’s 75th anniversary commemorations in the UK and Normandy.

In January, the Legion announced its plans to take up to 300 Normandy veterans to France on a specially chartered ship to mark 75 years since the original D-Day landings.

175 veterans, who helped liberate France during the Second World War have already signed up to  travel on the MV Boudicca, but there is still the opportunity for more to join them, with the deadline for applications now extended until Monday March 4.

The Legion’s assistant director for commemorative events, Bob Gamble OBE said: “We believe it’s important that all veterans who contributed to the liberation of France who want to attend the commemorations for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Portsmouth and Normandy are able to do so.

"We are delighted at the response we have received so far but we still have space for more veterans to join their comrades who shared in those challenging wartime experiences in 1944.

"Most importantly at this stage, we don’t want anyone who wants to take part to be left behind. If you have a friend or family member who is a D-Day veteran, or indeed if you are one yourself, please get in touch with the Legion and find out how to be a part of this historic trip.”

See britishlegion.org.uk.