Hundreds of former Auxiliary Territorial Service girls will descend on Imphal Barracks, York, in August, for their annual re-union and also to celebrate the 60th birthday of the ATS.

The double celebration on August 1 and 2 is expected to attract more than 600 former ATS girls from all over the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

After an evening meal under the cover of Army tents, the guests will be entertained by The Modernnaires, a Glenn Miller type band, a Nissan Hut sketch by ex-ATS girls, followed by a sing-a-long to piano music and waltzing on the lawn.

On the Sunday, the birthday girls will be bussed to York Minster for a special commemoration service, conducted by retired Army chaplain, Rev Geoffrey Holman.

They will then march round the Minster, and use the south transept steps as a saluting dais to salute former Royal Artillery master gunner, Sir Martin Farndale.

This will be followed by lunch at Imphal barracks, where the birthday celebrations will continue with the help of the Lancashire Artillery Volunteers Band.

Former ATS girl Edna Storr, of Cedar Crescent, Selby, who served with an anti aircraft battery, said she was looking forward to the 60th birthday party.

She said: "Some of the girls plan to dress up in 1940s clothes, although I'll probably settle for putting my pinny on and my hair in rollers.

"At last year's re-union, I met a lady from Southampton I hadn't seen for over 50 years. It was lovely."

Mrs Storr is also helping to raise money for a national memorial to all the women who served in the Second World War. The £75,000 appeal now stands at £9,000. Any donations should be sent to Headquarters York Garrison, Imphal barracks, York, YO1 4AU, and cheques made payable to Central Bank York Garrison.

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