NORMANDY Veterans will hold their last nationally-organised event in Darwen to coincide with the presentation of war medals to the family of heroic young soldier Jack Banks.

Terry Burton, chairman of the 95th branch of the veterans, had planned to visit Darwen to posthumously present the campaign medals to the relatives of 16-year-old Jack who gave his life in Normandy in 1944.

But he has also arranged a memorial parade and service which will be officiated by 93-year-old former chaplain of the Durham Light Infantry the Rev Canon Gervase W Markham, who lay Jack to rest in the Jerusalem cemetery in Normandy.

Jack had always wanted to join the army so he lied about his age and joined the Home Guard at 15. But he died after being hit by mortar shells while returning to camp with his superior.

The anniversary service and parade, which will commemorate the 60th anniversary of D-Day, has been arranged for Saturday, May 15, at the war memorial in Bold Venture Park, Darwen.

The 95th branch will travel from London and the Durham Light Infantry across the country for the event. Mr Burton is hoping people in Darwen will join the veterans and Jack's relatives to remember all those who died.

He said: "I want to hear from schools, associations or any organisations interested in supporting the event and would like to take part in the parade itself. This event will be the last nationally organised event for the Normandy Veterans owing to the increasing ages of these heroic veterans."