LOCAL members of the Dunkirk Veterans have decided to lay their standard to rest, more than 60 years after they served in World War Two.

The group has just 10 members now, with just four in Ramsbottom, who traditionally marched as part of the town's Rembrance Sunday parade.

The remaining members -- John Virgo, George Crossthwaite, Frank Seddon and Jim Brackley -- laid the standard to rest during a moving ceremony at St Andrew's Church, in Ramsbottom.

The standard will be on display in the church as a lasting reminder of those colleagues, friends and relatives who died at Dunkirk.

Terry Egan, branch secretary of the Ramsbottom British Legion, said the group had been disbanded because numbers had dwindled considerably over the years.

He said: "The veterans cannot march any more because they are getting old and there are only ten of them left. So instead of the standard being left on one side and going into obscurity, it has been left in the church for people to see.

"At the moment it is near the altar but it hasn't been decided where it will stay yet. We had a full parade with 19 standards of various departments and representatives, as well as the Lancashire Fusiliers band.

"There was a full church service and, as it was in memory of Dunkirk, the National Anthem and the Marsellaise were played. It was a very nice parade and service. At least the Dunkirk will never be forgotten -- it will be a permanent fixture in St Andrew's."

Mr Virgo, 87, said despite the group's disbandment, the four Ramsbottom members would meet every month.

He added: "It was quite an emotional day but the other three members, George, Frank and Jim, and myself have agreed to meet every monthto catch up and have a chat.

"We will keep doing this until there aren't any members left because it was such a big part of our lives it's something we don't ever want to forget."