FOUR veterans are to represent their towns in a pilgrimage of Remembrance to a First World War battlefield.

Atherton Royal British Legion members Alan Edwards and Derek Chisnall will join veterans from the Tyldesley branch, Steven Burke and Keith Stott, at the Great Pilgrimage 90 (GP90) from August 5 and 9.

There are expected to be more than 2,200 Legion representatives and dignitaries from the UK as well as civil and military guests from the Commonwealth and Northern Europe. 

The veterans will tour battlefields and cemeteries visited in the first tour organised by the Royal British Legion in 1928 where 11,000 attended to bear their branch standards and wreaths.

The pilgrimage, involved a march through Ypres to the Commonwealth War Grave Commission’s Menin Gate Memorial for a ceremony to mark the launch of The Hundred Days Offensive and in remembrance of those who lost their lives.   

This year, messages will be left on wreaths at the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres in Belgium for the public to view until the end of August.

A parade will take place in Ypres on August 8 with people invited to watch it at Market Square from noon.

A One Hundred Days ceremony will also be held and there will be an afternoon of musical performances including The Central Band of the Royal British Legion.

For more information about GP90 or to get in touch with your Royal British Legion branch visit britishlegion.org.uk.