YORK Dunkirk veterans who are bidding to raise £2,600 for a display case to lay their standard to rest in the Minster today thanked the people of the city for their generosity.

Members of the York branch of the Dunkirk Veterans Association totted up an impressive £1,131 for their cause when they mounted a day's cash-collecting offensive in the Coppergate Centre.

Branch secretary Peter Shaw said: "The response has been excellent and we would like to thank all the people of York who came along and supported us." He also thanked the Evening Press, which first featured the veteran's plight, and the Coppergate Centre for backing them.

Graham Willey, a watch and clockmaker from Holgate Road, York, has donated £500 and the Minster has offered to step in should the veterans fall short of their target.

Cheques should be made payable to the Dunkirk Old Comrades, York, and sent to Peter Shaw, 65 Willow Rise, Tadcaster, LS24 9LL.