OLD soldiers wanting to visit scenes of past battles have been urged to take up the offer of Lottery cash to pay for their travel.

World War Two veterans can qualify for money set aside under the Heroes Return scheme.

The £10 million fund will help mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the war.

Although the D-Day landing anniversary is set to be one of the major events with scores of ex-servicepeople due to attend the Normandy beaches once more other battles from across the globe are included.

That means veterans of campaigns in North Africa, the Middle East and Burma will also be able to access the cash and return to the places in which they fought.

South Swindon MP, Julia Drown urged local war heroes to make use of the scheme.

She said: "It is a fitting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Swindon veterans and I encourage them to take up grants which are available to fund travel costs for veterans resident in the UK and their carers to visit the countries where they served."

Ms Drown added those wanting to use the scheme to visit Normandy this summer should act quickly.

Veterans who would like to participate in the Heroes Return can telephone the Veterans Agency free on 0800 169 2277 for information and advice.