VETERANS who served their country at home and abroad are set to be given the Freedom of Nelson in recognition of services rendered.

Town councillors have drawn up a list of 21 people who served either with the Army, Navy or Royal Air Force, or back home with the Land Army, to take part in the unique ceremony.

Each will be presented with an illuminated scroll at a gala dinner at the ACE Centre on Saturday, the official Armed Forces Day.

The idea was originally suggested by former county councillor George Adam and supported by ex-town council chairman Eileen Ansar.

Town councillor Mike Landriau has undertaken the research, with help from the Royal British Legion, and interviewed most of the veterans. Coun Landriau, himself an ex-serviceman with the Pay Corps, mainly attached to the Royal Signals, said: “The great thing has been that as well as the veterans, their families are thrilled that their grandfathers and grandmothers, and great-grandfathers and great-grandmothers are getting recognition.”

The organisers of the dinner have secured the services of popular local singer Maria Manchester, who will serenade arrivals with wartime favourites.

Later, a history talk will be given by historian Harold Hoggarth, before the certificates are handed out by town council chairman Susan Hunt, who will give a welcome address to those assembled.

An inspiration for the Nelson ceremony was a similar exercise, by town councillors in Earby over the past couple of years.