A MILITARY band has been asked to keep a space in its diary for an event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Dunkirk.

St Andrew’s Bolton Pipes and Drums were contacted by The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships requesting they attend the Annual Veterans Cruise on the River Thames – and also to keep in mind the Dunkirk anniversary in 2020.

Alec Bingham, the band’s secretary, said: “All of the band members have travelled to Belgium many times to play at the Menin Gate in Ypres. Remembering in particular the soldiers of Bolton who fell at Passchendaele.

“We also play on Armed Forces Day and are delighted once again to be leading the 216 ( Bolton Artillary ) Battery at the Annual Remembrance Day Parade in Bolton this November.”

Anyone interested in helping with the band’s travel costs to London for the Annual Veterans Cruise should contact Mr Bingham on 07930 944510 or email sales@abmemorialsandsigns.co.uk