ORGANISERS drawing up plans to mark the 60th anniversary of VE Day are celebrating lucky Lotto windfalls.

Veteran groups across York have been handed cash grants as they prepare to commemorate Victory In Europe Day - six decades on from the end of the Second World War.

As already reported in the Evening Press, City of York Council has been awarded £13,500 to stage a grand ceremony at York Minster on July 10, followed by a parade and marquee reception at Fulford Barracks.

Now it has been confirmed that an ex-serviceman's club at Skelton and a local RAF veterans will also benefit.

John Allison, secretary of the Tadcaster branch of the RAF Association Yorkshire (Eastern Region) said members were "highly delighted" to receive £1,000.

The cash will be used to help fund a Battle of Britain service, parade and fly-past at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, in September.

Skelton Social and Ex-Servicemen's Club is looking at planning a 1940s dinner-dance, featuring wartime-style singers after a Lotto boost.

The amount is still to be confirmed and exact details are being finalised, but club secretary Arthur Huggins said it was good news for the club.

Organisers of the York event have called on veterans interested in attending the city ceremony to contact them for an application form.

Liz Topi, project co-ordinator at City of York Council, said: "This award has given us the opportunity to make this very special day an event to remember for York's veterans."

Priority at the Minster service, for 1,400 guests, will be given to Second World War veterans and those who kept the nation running between 1939 and 1945 serving with the Land Army, RAF ground crews, rail staff and other Home Front workers.

For an application form for a free ticket phone Ms Topi on 01904 553384, or write to the council office at: 18 Back Swinegate, York, YO1 8ZD.

Grants come from the £12 million Home Front Recall scheme, allowing Lotto money to fund nationwide community activities marking peace in Europe.

Meanwhile, a call has gone out for two generations of the same family from the York area to mark the VE anniversary - in Germany.

The city's twin town Munster is also commemorating peace in Europe and the search is on for two veterans from the area who served in Germany to fly out there.

Ms Topi said travel and accommodation expenses would be met - and said it might be easier if a younger relative accompanied each veteran. She said ex-servicemen from Munster's ten twin towns were also due to attend the conference, between May 7 and 10, marking the surrender of Munster on May 8.

Anyone interested should phone 01904 553384.

We plan to celebrate VE Day with bumper coverage. Do you have special memories - and pictures - of the historic VE Day celebrations? Please email newsdesk@ycp.co.uk, or phone 01904 567131.

Updated: 10:29 Friday, March 18, 2005