VETERANS who took part in one of the most famous battles of the Second World War, Operation Market Garden are gathering in Walkden to commemorate its 60th anniversary.

In a gamble to try to shorten the war in September, 1944 Montgomery ordered parachute and glider drops to capture bridges over the Dutch rivers near the German borders.

But the British suffered a serious of misfortunes and came under attack from heavy shelling and German Panzers.

After eight days Montgomery gave the order to abandon the operation, but only 2,400 men who took part in the operation got away. An estimated 1,200 were killed and the rest were captured.

To mark the anniversary on October 31, the North-west branch of the Market Garden Veterans' Association is hosting a party at the Royal British Legion Club, Wilfred Road, Walkden starting at 2pm.

Guests will include the Mayor of Bolton Cllr Prentice Howarth.