WAR heroes in Pendle are set to be given a silver momento of the Queen’s Diamond jubilee for their sterling service nearly 70 years ago.

Town councillors in Earby are searching for as many veterans as possible to take part in a special presentation on Sunday June 3.

James Dixon, 91, who served with the RAF for the D-Day landings, flying Halifax bombers with 269 Squadron, is one of the veterans taking part.

“It is a tremendous effort by the council, to recognise all the chaps, and women, who served,” said Mr Dixon, who went on to become a senior education officer for North Yorkshire Council, before his retirement.

Coun Vera Cocker is also on the lookout for members of the merchant navy who contributed to the war effort.

Coun Cocker and Coun James Spence, himself a Gulf War veteran, devised the idea of a ceremony for World War Two servicemen and have so far been in touch with nearly 20.

Each will be handed an inscribed silver salver, during the town’s jubilee celebrations at New Road community centre.

But Coun Cocker is certain that there are still old soldiers, airmen and sailors out there who could qualify.

She said: “We are using the boundaries of the old Earby ward so that covers the town, Kelbrook and Salterforth.

“We have been working on this for the best part of a year after receiving funding from the town council.

“I would really like to get in touch with anyone who served in the merchant navy, during the war, as they are often left out of things like this.”

Peter Wright, master of Earby Band, is composing a special arrangement, to be performed by the outfit on the day.

Coun Cocker can be contacted on 01282 842653.