D-Day veterans had visited pupils at Southlands High School last month to describe their experiences of taking part in the greatest seaborne invasion in history and a crucial battle in World War Two.

But the youngsters were so upset to hear that the British government was not going to offer financial help for war veterans to attend what is likely to be the final commemoration of D-Day in June 2009, they decided they would do what they could to help.

And yesterday, on Remembrance Day itself, they were in Chorley town centre pedalling for all they were worth on static bikes to raise funds.

Dave Goulden, head of history at Southlands said that the 10 pupils were so moved by the veterans' stories and that the American and Canadian governments have promised financial aid for the 65th anniversary of D-Day - whereas the British government has not - that they wanted to raise funds to help the veterans attend.

He added: "The pupils have been fantastic and their immediate response was to wonder what they could do to help. They want to show them how much they value the sacrifices made by that generation and allow those who survive to make possibly a final visit to pay their respects to their fallen comrades."

Any D-Day veterans who would want help to attend the commemoration in 2009 should contact Mr Goulden at school on 01257 414455.

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