A MAN whose heroic school pal was killed after the D-Day landings in 1944 has appealed for Normandy Veterans to get in touch with him.

Richard Walsh used to go to school with Jack Banks, who was 16 but lied about his age in order to become a soldier.

Jack's war medals will be presented to his family at the 60th anniversary memorial service of D-Day in Bold Venture Park, Darwen, on May 15.

Mr Walsh has been helping out Terry Burton, organiser of this year's memorial service and parade, and is hoping to encourage more people to join in the big event.

He said: "There is no Normandy Veteran Association in Darwen or Blackburn but there will be many people who were involved in the war who I would like to get in touch with.

"It would be nice to have anyone who was in the services attending the service at Bold Venture.

"There are a lot of people not involved in the British Legion who may not be aware of the event, which could be the veterans' last event."

Anyone wanting to get in touch with Mr Walsh should ring him on 01254 675495.