Farron highlights trip back programme for South Lakes war heroes

Local MP Tim Farron is promoting the Big Lottery Fund's Heroes Return 2 programme

The programme allows grants to be given to World War 2 servicemen and women and their families for commemorative trips back to the places they served. Tim is encouraging all ex-servicemen and women living in the South Lakes to get in touch with the Big Lottery Fund.

Trips must be taken before the end of December 2010. Veterans who have already taken trips but were unaware of Heroes Return can apply for retrospective funding until 31 January 2011.

Since the scheme began in April 2009 it has awarded funding totalling over £7 million to more than 10,000 veterans and their families, which has enabled them to go on emotional trips to honour those who did not return from the battlefields of 1939 - 1945. Veterans have used the money to return to various locations such as Normandy, for the 65th anniversary of D-day, Italy, Greece, India, the Far-East and North Africa, as well as make trips within the UK.

Local MP Tim Farron is urging veterans and their families in the South Lakes to take advantage of this fund, saying "We owe so much to the men and women who fought in the Second World War and I am delighted that the lottery has enabled ex-servicemen and women to attend momentous occasions, such as the 65th anniversary of D-day or pay their respects to the places they served. I think it is right to give grants to the men and women who have served for our country, making sure that they can attend the commemorative events if they wish to."

To get in touch with the Big Lottery Fund about the Heroes Return 2 scheme ring the Heroes Return 2 helpline on 0845 00 00 121 or email general.enquiries@biglotteryfund.org.uk. For more information go on the Big Lottery Fun website on www.biglotteryfund.org.uk.