ASTONISHING support for a brave group of war veterans has ensured the memory of their heroics will be kept alive in York Minster.

Eight members of York's Dunkirk Veterans' Association, most aged in their 80s, appealed to the public to find £2,600 to lay their standard to rest after the group is disbanded later this year.

Outstanding generosity has left the old soldiers amazed. More than £3,300 was donated in less than three weeks.

Secretary Peter Shaw, the youngest member at 79, said: "It is amazing. People were making special journeys into York just to give us money when we were collecting in Coppergate.

"It has been unbelievable. It is so nice for us to think that what we did has not been forgotten and we can't thank people enough. This has been very heart-warming."

The money was needed to build a wooden case in which to lay the standard. It is hoped it will be ready by September.

It will be placed in the Minster beside a memorial to fellow soldiers who died during the Second World War evacuation from France.

The group had been too proud to ask for help from veterans' associations such as the Haig Fund or the Royal British Legion.

Instead, they braved the elements with their collecting tins in the Coppergate Centre.

Mr Shaw said at the time: "We think it is wrong for us to approach organisations asking for help because we are not the only branch looking to put their standard to rest."

Today he said: "We have always somehow managed to keep ourselves going, but this time we just didn't have the resources. We were pretty desperate.

"I can only offer many, many thanks to everybody. We are amazed and extremely grateful at the support we received.

"We have told people at the Minster that we have the money and they are delighted for us. It is now in their hands."

PICTURE: HIGH STANDARD: Peter Shaw holds aloft the standard of the York branch Picture: Mike Tipping