VETERANS from the second world war are being offered free tours of the battlegrounds from the war. 

In a scheme launched by the Royal British Legion, veterans are being offered the chance to be guided around the sites of the war. 

The Royal British Legion does not have a database of surviving veterans, so residents are being encouraged to spread word of the offer if they have a family member or friend who served in the conflict.

The Royal British Legion has been running LIBOR funded tours for Normandy veterans for the past four years and thanks to additional LIBOR funding is now able to widen the tours to all veterans of WWII. 

Nichola Rowlands, Head of Travel, Royal British Legion, said: "We have organised tours for hundreds of D Day veterans, a family member and carer, and it has proven a very moving experience for all. 

"We have been campaigning to widen the tours for all WWII veterans, as so many gave so much, and we feel that they all deserve a final tour back to lay old ghosts to rest; we're delighted that the Treasury has made this possible."

The Rt. Hon, The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Phillip Hammond, said: "I had the privilege of meeting veterans last year, and I'm delighted that we can continue to support those who want to return with the Royal British Legion to the countries where they served.

"We have committed over £5 million of Libor funds to help those who fought for our freedom, to return to pay their respects and safeguard the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice."

For WWII veterans wishing to benefit from this tour, they need to apply via Remembrance Travel's tour operator, Arena Travel on 01473 660800, or visit http://www.arenatravel.com/our-holidays/remembrance-travel.