BIG-HEARTED Citizen readers rallied round to help a Morecambe war veteran head back to the battlefields of France for the first time since June 1944.

The Citizen office has been inundated with calls from well-wishers wanting to help 80-year-old Jim Johnstone travel to Normandy to take part in the last ever D-Day parade.

It followed our story last week that old soldier Jim was unable to make the parade because the price of the trip had almost doubled.

Local people pledged more than £700 to Jim within hours of the paper hitting the street.

Others offered to drive the pensioner to France them-selves.

And even more came up with the names and telephone numbers of official parties he could team up with for the journey.

The response was magnificent and greater than anyone had ever expected.

However, Jim feels he cannot accept the huge amount of generosity and wishes for the money to be returned to all the well-wishers.

Vivid stories and heart-wrenching memories of the war poured in with donations for Jim.

But the proud old soldier said this week: "I was overwhelmed by the response and generosity of people to my situation after the Citizen story. When I was told how much had been offered with people's best wishes I was gobsmacked.

"However, I have asked the people who collected the money for me to give it back to everyone who donated it with my thanks for their kindness.

"Please do not think I am throwing kindness back in your faces. I think you are all wonderful people."

o MORECAMBE and Heysham branch of the Royal British Legion wishes to hear from any ex-servicemen or women who wish to travel to Normandy for the D-Day memorial service or any other ceremony. It may be able to help in many ways.

Call welfare committee chairman Les Croombs on 07977-061814