NORMANDY veterans and widows joined the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Keith Hyman, for an annual meal at the Mansion House.

Thirteen survivors and widows attended the event which Coun Hyman said had the atmosphere of a reunion, although it was tinged with sadness at the recent death of the veteran’s chairman Cyril Haworth.

Successive Lord Mayors have held the gathering to ensure the veterans are shown the respect and care they deserve.

Next year is the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landings, and for many of the veterans, it will be their final trip. They are currently trying to raise £18,000 so they and their families can travel across the channel for one last time.