TWO army veterans have called on people to take to the streets and show support for our soldiers.

Blackburn is to host an historic homecoming parade of some 120 1st Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Regiment soldiers on Wednesday.

They will carry out their right, under their Freedom of the Borough, to march through the town after a service at Blackburn Cathedral and ahead of a civic reception at King George’s Hall.

Soldiers involved are from across East Lancashire.

Des Owen, from the Blackburn branch of the Royal British Legion, said he would be proud to join the crowds to honour the troops as they complete the march.

Mr Owen, 74, a former squadron sergeant major in the Queen's Royal Lancers, said the event will be a ‘fantastic occasion’.

He said: “It is a chance for us to show our appreciation and I know the wonderful people of East Lancashire will give it great support.

“We need to get as many people on the street as possible and hopefully not just ex-servicemen will make the effort.

“It will be very emotional. Not all of the soldiers came back and some were hurt but I will do all I can to encourage people to turn up and cheer the lads.”

Mr Owen, who lives in Blackburn with wife Phylis, said his grandson was now training with the cadets, following in a proud armed forces tradition in his family.

His father served in the Second World War and his grandfather fought in the First World War. Mr Owen served in Kenya and Cyprus.

His colleague Bob Holdsworth, 79, a former driver in the East Lancs Regiment, said he would also be proudly be lining the route on December 1.

Mr Holdsworth, a member of the Regimental Association, said: “I would love to encourage people to join in and line the streets for the parade. This will be a day to remember and we need to make sure we do the soldiers proud.

“There will be a lot of local lads among the soldiers which makes it even more important to show our support and respect.”

The parade will begin from Blackburn Cathedral at 12.45pm. It will lead to King George’s Hall, via the town hall, for a civic reception.