Veterans and their families visited the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Travelling from Bolton, the group of 40 took the opportunity to visit and pay their respects at many of the magnificent memorials to the armed forces and other emergency services.

They were blessed with the weather and the sun shone all day long.

Richard Davies of the group said: “This was such a bonus because the site is huge and it seems to get bigger by the day.

“Many individuals and family members spent time at memorials which are very close to their hearts.

“And, at the Airborne Memorial, it was wonderful to discover a plaque that had been erected by the Bolton Parachute Regiment Association some years ago.”

The trip was organised by the Bolton Guild of Help as part of its Bolton Veterans Aid programme.

Guild Trustee, Richard Davies, has already been asked if another trip is on the cards for next year.

He has said that if the interest is there the answer is yes.

The Guild operates a Veterans Drop-In Support Centre at the Bridge Café, Bradford Street, every Thursday from 10am until 1pm.

Any veteran, or their family, in need of support is welcome to visit or they can contact the Guild on 01204 524858.