VETERANS of the Second World War in Herefordshire are to receive a special badge as a final thank you for their bravery when they were young.

The small lapel badge is topped with a crown and carries the simple logo HM Armed Forces Veteran.

All surviving Service people can claim the badge. It is free of charge and can be obtained through the county branch of the Royal British Legion.

Members of the Armed Forces are also being invited to what it is believed will be the last ever remembrance service at Hereford Cathedral for Service people from the Second World War.

The service will be a joint celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Victory in Europe and Victory in the war against Japan.

During the service it is planned that young people from the Cadet Forces will present the official medallions to some of representatives of the war veterans.

Members of the Royal British Legion will parade from High Town to the Cathedral along with other uniformed services.

Hereford's Army Cadet Force Pipe band will lead the parade and the Tarrington Brass Band will play in the Cathedral during the service.

The service will be held in Hereford Cathedral on Sunday, July 10 at 3.30pm with the parade starting an hour earlier.

Former Servicemen and women who are eligible for the veteran's lapel badge are asked to write to County Secretary (Herefordshire), The Royal British Legion (VBs), Network House, OXON Business park, Badger's Lane, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY3 5AB, including a full address, postal code and telephone number.

Details should also be included of service (Army/Navy/Air Force), unit, military ID number, enlistment and demobilisation dates and theatres in which the person served (Europe, Middle East, Burma, Africa, Japan etc).