money and offers of assistance have been flooding in from members of the public eager to help the York Dunkirk veterans' bid to lay their standard to rest in York Minster.

The Evening Press knows of about £700 which has already been donated to pay for a special case, costing £2,600, in which to display the standard in the Minster after the York branch of the Dunkirk Veterans' Association disbands later this year.

Graham Willey, a watch and clock maker, from Holgate Road, York, was so shocked the veterans are being forced to brave the elements and rattle collecting tins in Coppergate today that he donated £500. He said: "They were prepared to give their lives and I don't see why they should have to stand in the cold in Coppergate to raise money for this cause."