Letter published in today’s Journal:

I WOULD like to take this opportunity to urge Second World War veterans across the region to consider applying for the Heroes Return scheme, the deadline for which has recently been extended to January 31, 2012.

Run by the Big Lottery Fund, the scheme provides funding to help veterans who saw active service to take part in commemorative visits that mark the anniversary of events that led to the end of the war.

War widows and widowers of veterans are also eligible for funding, and carers and spouses can receive funding to travel with veterans.

Grants of between £150 and £5,500 are available, depending on the number of people taking part and the destination of the event.

Since 2004, over 50,000 people have made commemorative trips with Heroes Return funding, with grants totalling over £24m. The extension of the scheme means that veterans who are yet to take advantage of the funding will be able to make trips throughout 2011 to places across the world where they served.

I would therefore strongly encourage any eligible people to apply for this funding.

Further information about the programme can be found at www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/heroesreturn or by calling 0845 0000 121.

CATHERINE McKINNELL, Labour MP for Newcastle North, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
(tel: 0191 286 1266; email:catherine.mckinnell [email protected])