A KOREAN War veteran is calling on other old soldiers to join an association which aims to keep the conflict alive in people's memories.

Richard Clementson, 71, from Fulwood, Preston, wants to hear from veterans of the war fought between 1950 and 1953.

A year ago he joined the British Korean Veterans' Association and is now branch secretary of the group which meets monthly at Fulwood Barracks, Preston.

The Korean War, a product of the Cold War struggle between the USSR and the USA, is often known as the Forgotten War, but Mr Clementson is keen that people do not forget.

During the war he was a craftsman with the 1st Battalion Kings (Liverpool) Regiment, serving as a Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers fitter with the Light Aid Detachment.

"In 1955 I left the army with not a thought of looking back," said the grandfather-of-two. "Memories which were once in the forefront of my thoughts soon faded.

"For nearly 50 years I never met another person who had served in Korea during the hostilities.

"I began to think I was the only person who had ever been there."

Two years ago, by chance, Mr Clementson met someone wearing their military campaign medals and began to ask some questions.

He joined the association, which has its headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, and is now urging other veterans to get in touch.

"The association exists to commemorate the memory of those men who did not return, and also to provide assistance to those who have fallen on hard times," said the retired social worker.

The British Korean Veterans' Association, meets on the last Monday of the month at the Warrant Officers' and Sergeant Mess, Fulwood Barracks, Fulwood, Preston. Call Mr Clementson on 01772 717302 for details.