Ref. 30452-19THOUSANDS of veterans from across the UK have begun a friendly invasion of France to the run up to Sun-day's 60th anniversary of D-Day.

Joining them in a symbolic crossing of the Channel will be a small band from Swindon, including former orderly Ken Barnett, 80, from Covingham. He will be going with wartime friend Ted Wilson, 83, from Barrow-in-Furness following their moving reunion a fortnight ago after 59 years.

Mr Barnett said: "I am looking forward to heading back to Normandy.

"I am not fussed with all this pomp and ceremony. I would just be happy to see it all again.

"Once I am there, I am sure all the memories will come flooding back."

Hundreds of old military vehicles have driven in convoy to the Channel ports on the South Coast as they make their way to the anniversary celebrations. Among them was vehicle enthusiast Malcolm Holland, who owns a vintage three-quarter tonne truck.

He and around a dozen other enthusiasts from the Wiltshire branch of the Military Vehicle Trust have taken their vehicles.

Before leaving for France, he said: "This trip is rather daunting but we are all looking forward to taking part.

"This will be my first time to Normandy, although others went for the 50th anniversary."

Local authorities in France are expecting 100,000 visitors this weekend, and tourist boards said hotels were already booked up in the towns and villages closest to the historic battle- grounds and beaches.

The events will be truly international, and will see 17 visiting heads of state, including the Queen, US President George Bush, Prime Minister Tony Blair, French President Jacques Chirac and the German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder as well as Prince Charles.

In Swindon there will be two parades to mark the anniversary.

The first will be held in the town centre from the Granville Street car park to the cenotaph where a service will be held.

A second will be held in Penhill with a parade from St Peter's church in Penhill Drive to the cenotaph at the British Legion in Penhill.

Michael Wills, MP for North Swin-don, will be laying a wreath in the town centre on Sunday.

He said: "We all owe a great debt to all those who fought with such valour on the beaches of northern France 60 years ago. I'm sure that anyone who has ever visited those beaches will have been profoundly moved. We must never forget all those who sacrificed so much to liberate Europe from tyranny and oppression."

Anthony Osborme