A COUNCILLOR has launched a campaign to get Royal British Legion branch members to a historic pilgrimage.

Cllr Lubna Khan, who represents Bank Hall on Burnley Council, aims to raise £1,000 so Burnley and Padiham veterans can take part in the Great Pilgrimage 90.

The legion's biggest event will celebrate the 90th anniversary of war veterans and widows visiting the battlefields of the Somme and Ypres before marching to the Menin Gate Memorial, a decade after the end of the First World War.

Next August, representatives from every legion branch will carry their standards to the Menin Gate and re-enact the march in 1928.

Cllr Khan, who teamed up with Burnley Council's armed forces champion, Cllr Lian Pate to raise the money, said the money will cover transport, food, accommodation and travel insurance costs.

She said: "We heard that the Burnley and Padiham British Legion want to participate in this important event by sending two representatives.

"The cost per branch is £1,000 to cover all transport, food, accommodation and travel insurance costs.

"As a small branch, comprising mainly elderly members, Burnley Royal British Legion said they needed to raise funds in order to participate in this important event.

“That is why we have set up a ‘Just Giving’ page so people have the opportunity to make a donation so that Burnley can be represented at the ‘GP90’.

"People can choose to donate personally, through organisations, or by organising a fund-raising event and donating the proceeds.

"If we manage get over the £1000 target, any extra money will be used for the day to day expenses involved in running the local British Legion branch.

"Please join others in pledging a donation so that our local branch, which is made up of mainly elderly members, can take part in this important event."

Over the two days the representatives will visit the battlefield memorial sites, trenches, cemeteries and place a wreath at the Menin Gate Memorial.