WAR veterans from across East Lancashire will finally receive the recognition they deserve with the launch of a new Veteran's Badge.

The badge is designed to be worn on the lapel of civilian clothing of ex-servicemen and women who served in World War I or II.

It has been designed in association with veterans' organisations, including the Royal British Legion.

The aim is to help the public recognise veterans and the outstanding contribution they have made to the country.

The badge was launched in May by Minister for Veterans Ivor Caplin as part of the commemoration of the 60th anniversaries associated with World War II. Lancashire Royal British Legion has received a supply of the badges and is ready to issue them to all those eligible.

Branches across the area are now inviting applications for all those who served in either World Wars.

If there is sufficient demand, the badge may be given to veterans of more recent campaigns.

Blackburn Royal British Legion branch secretary Des Owen said the badge had been a long time coming.

He is expecting thousands of ex-servicemen and women from across East Lancashire to be issued with badges.

He said: "We have struggled for years to get something like this done.

"We've been pushing for since the end of the second world war for some kind of official recognition and now there is a national badge for ex-servicemen and women.

"Veterans don't have to be a member of the Royal British Legion to apply, anyone who served is eligible."

The Royal British Legion is inviting applications from all those who served to defend their country in either war.

An application form must be filled in to help establish authenticity.

Veteran's widows are not entitled to receive the badge on behalf of their spouses.

For an application form, send a self-addressed envelope to Des Owen, 41 Higher Croft Road, Lower Darwen, BB3 OQT.

The Royal British Legion is also seeking volunteers to help hold poppy collections at supermarkets across the area on Remembrance Sunday, November 11.