FOLLOWING the launch of a campaign to honour the sacrifice and contribution of armed forces veterans across the Leigh area, MP Andy Burnham MP has issued the first Veterans' Lapel Badges.

Mr Burnham said: "Former service personnel can now receive an impressive new veterans' lapel badge to wear on civilian attire, to help people recognise veterans and the contribution they made.

"The many heroic acts and sacrifices of our veterans and their families must never be forgotten. That is why I launched the campaign to ensure that veterans living locally could apply for the Veterans Badge in the first place. It has proved enormously popular.

"I have already obtained badges from the Minister for Veterans for dozens of local people and I have also pressed the minister to extend the scheme further."

Veterans, or veterans' widows or widowers, who have not yet applied for a badge, should call his Leigh office on 01942 248958 for an application form.

Men and women who served in the UK Armed Forces in the First World War, the interwar years, the Second World War, and between 1945 and December 31,1954 or were in the Cyprus Regiment, Home Guard or Polish Forces under UK Command during the second world war are eligible.

Others entitled to the lapel badges are war widows and widowers who are getting a war pension and Merchant Navy seamen who saw active service as part of a military operation.