THE York Branch of the Normandy Veterans Association had a grand départ last Sunday on the midday train at Murton Park, courtesy of the Derwent Valley Light Railway.

After their ride, the three veterans and their supporters were treated to a buffet by David Wilde, chairman of the DVLR.

It was a special day for veterans Ken Cook and George Meredith, who rode in the cab of diesel locomotive Rowntrees No 3, as Ken used to work for Rowntree and George was a fireman on the London and North Eastern Railway.

The veterans said that they look forward to a return in 2015.

Nick Beilby, Derwent Valley Light Railway/ Honorary Member of the Normandy Veterans Association, York.