Four armed forces veterans are planning to walk from Germany to Bolton in memory of First World War prisoners of war.

The 850-mile journey is predicted to take around 11 days and will commence on the outskirts of Munster, Germany, where there was a POW camp.

Upon their release from the camp in 1918, the freed prisoners had to make their own way back home, many of whom were returning to Bolton.

This journey has inspired members of Moving Forces Bolton (MFB), headed up by the charity’s co-founder and director Dave Carter.

“My great-grandfather was a prisoner and was held in Munster,” he said.

“We got hold of a copy of the Bolton Evening News’ Prisoner of War Fund and it had the names of all 928 released prisoners of war who made it back to Bolton, inviting them to a welcome home dinner.

“We aim to remember them all by travelling from Germany to Bolton.”

Dave says that when he mentioned the challenge to one of the members of MFB he said it was impossible.

“They managed it without having been fed properly and with illness and disease and having been put through hard labour,” he said.

As well as walking, the group will also looks to use modes of transport that might have been available to those making the trip in 1918, such as using trains that still go along the same route, hitching a ride on the back of a farmer's tractor, or perhaps a stint via bicycle.

The group taking part with Dave includes co-founder of MFB Simon Cass, Stephen Kenworth, and Paul Burgess. The foursome will also be supported in a vehicle by Mike Gallagher.

“We’re all Bolton born and bred,” Dave said. “All veterans and all well up for the idea.

“We hope we can get a few local businesses to help fund it. We’re also hoping to raise funds along the way, and these will be split between Moving Forces Bolton and Walking with the Wounded.

“We’d like to invite the families of the men to join us on the last stretch of the walk which will be from Manchester to Bolton.”

This finish line will be at the town hall on Armed Forces Day on June 24.

MFB was setup by for veterans from younger generations as they felt like many existing groups catered predominantly to those of retirement ages.

The group has regular meetings which are often based around an active or sporting activity.