OUR HEROES CAN HONOUR FALLEN FRIENDS

Express campaign wins veterans free travel for memorial trips overseas

- Giles Sheldrick

WAR veterans who went into battle with ministers over a broken travel cash promise have sealed a stunning victory with hours to spare.

Some 23 Second World War heroes are now expected to set sail tonight for for the Netherlands in time for Liberation Monday's Day celebrations.

And their journey has been made all the more joyous after it was confirmed Britain will now pick up the tab after a relentless Daily Express campaign.

Veterans' commemorative trips were in peril after a funding promise was snatched away, only for war heroes and the Express to team up and force ministers into a U-turn. Dick Goodwin, vice president of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, which is taking the group to the Netherlands, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Government for recognising the importance of commemorating VE Day and for stepping in to provide this vital funding. It was an enormous relief and means we can now deliver much-valued trips without compromise.

“I also want to thank the Daily Express for highlighting the issue and campaigning tirelessly. Your support has made a real and lasting impact.”

The veterans, each chauffeured in a black cab, are set to depart from Harwich, Essex.

But before the 11th-hour proof of payment arrived, funding arrangements had remained in doubt.