THEY have been called the "forgotten" women of the Second World War.

But this weekend, the efforts of these female war heroines will be remembered at a series of celebrations in York.

More than 400 members of the former Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) will be taking part in a reunion to mark the organisation's 60th anniversary.

The fun was starting today with a buffet meal and birthday cake and drinks at a reception at Imphal Barracks, York.

In the evening, the women - now all in their 70s and who have come from all over the country - were being entertained by 1940s Glen Miller-style music and a sing-a-long.

Tomorrow they will take part in a memorial service at York Minster, followed by a march past, with the Salute being taken by General Sir Martin Farndale and the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Derek Smallwood.

It is the sixth reunion of the ATS in as many years.

The veterans will be joined for the festivities by women from 22 Regiment Royal Artillery.Edna Storr, from Selby, will be one of the veterans attending the reunion.

She served in 460 Mixed Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery Royal Artillery and was stationed in various parts of England.

Her job was to plot and judge the height of enemy aircraft, before male soldiers were given the order to fire.

ATS members and supporters are also raising funds to build the nation's first memorial in honour of the war effort of women.

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