THIS year, many people’s attention will be focused on the 100th anniversary of the First World War. But seven veterans from the York area have another milestone to mark – 70 years since they took part in the 20th century’s other great conflict.

The men all took part in Operation Overlord (the D-Day landings) on the Normandy Beaches and with numbers dwindling, this will be the last big commemoration to remember the event.

So you might think they would be getting the five-star treatment. Not a bit of it; instead they’re getting the red-tape treatment.

Ken Smith, secretary of the York branch of the Normandy Veterans’ Association, tells us he has spent days filling in forms to ensure his members can get through a security cordon. Because nobody without an accreditation pass will be allowed in.

Mr Smith says he is now confident his mammoth form-filling means the veterans will be able to attend the various events but, unbelievably, he still has concerns for honorary members who will be travelling with the party.

We fully understand the need for security. Ironically, the free world these veterans fought for is anything but, and although the notion of terrorists targeting such an occasion is deplorable, the French Government is right to take precautions.

But for goodness’ sake, couldn’t they have come up with a system that allows a group of late-80 and early-90-year-olds to pay their respects with decorum?