ORGANISERS of this year’s Swanage Armed Forces Day Parade are issuing an urgent appeal to help veterans take part.

Usually, some older members of the parade take part by riding in military vehicles, as they can no longer march.

The help normally comes from the Restored Military Vehicle Group, but this year most of the vehicles will be in France for the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings, which takes place a week after the Swanage parade.

That means there is a lack of transport for the event at the end of May, leaving many veterans unable to take part.

Organiser Steve Churchill said: “Many of the veterans are in their 80s and 90s and are unable any longer to march.

“They enjoy being on parade and last year saw one vehicle with a combined veterans age of 259.

“If you have a military vehicle that is roadworthy, or an open top vehicle and you are willing to drive on the short parade route through the town on Sunday, May 31, then we would love to hear from you.”

As well as coinciding with the 65th anniversary of D-Day, this year’s Swanage event also marks 25 years of Blandford-based 11 Signals, Royal Corps of Signals’ link with the seaside town.

Over the past quarter of a century soldiers have done much work in the community, particularly in helping to restore Swanage Railway.

The weekend will also see more ex-servicemen and women presented with their Armed Forces Veterans’ Badges.

Other attractions include a sandcastle contest, cadets standard bearers’ competition, field kitchen demonstration, military vehicle display and stalls.

For more details, or if you have a vehicle that could be used for the day, email swanageveterans 08@btinternet.com, telephone 01929 427261 or 07946 775549 or visit the website at: swanageveterans.org.uk