SOLDIERS from the King's Own Royal Border Regiment will be in Lancaster next week to launch the city's new Military Heritage Group.

The regiment, which has the freedom of the city of Lancaster is promoting the new group alongside the city council.

The aim of the new group is to maintain and develop the historical links between the armed forces, civilian services and the local community.

The official launch of the group takes place at the town hall next Thursday at 7.30pm and past and present servicemen, as well as their families and friends, are being invited to attend.

The main speaker will be Peter Donnelly, curator of the King's Own Royal Regimental Museum in Lancaster.

He will discuss Lancaster's military heritage, from Roman times to the current peace-keeping arrangements in Europe.

Lancaster man Major Andrew Dempsey, second-in-command of the first battalion of the King's Own Royal Border Regiment, will explain his battalion's work in Bosnia as part of NATO's stabilisation force.

Other speakers will include Colonel Peter Dew, chairman of the group, Major General Bob Hodges, group president and Major General Nigel Gibbon, whose idea it was to form the group.

Anyone interested in attending the launch of the group is asked to contact Captain Guy Sutcliffe on 01524 849137.