[Kyt]

BBC NEWS | England | Lancashire | Day of thanks for UK's veterans

Thousands of people are expected in Blackpool to recognise the work of the UK's armed forces veterans for the third annual National Veterans' Day.

The Duchess of Cornwall will attend the service of celebration and thanksgiving at the resort's cenotaph.

The service will be led by the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Nicholas Reade.

Blackpool has been holding its own annual Veterans' Week since 2005 and beat four other UK cities to be named the host of national 2008 event.

Friday's events are part of a nine-day programme in Blackpool, which finishes on Sunday.

The 12th Regiment Royal Artillery will exercise their right to the Freedom of the Borough of Blackpool with a march along the promenade, past the tower to the cenotaph.

Parachute drop

A Battle of Britain memorial flight will pass over those gathered for the thanksgiving service.

Organisers are hoping for the largest Veterans' Day parade with servicemen and women from 1600 BST after a presentation of lapel badges to 50 veterans at the resort's tower ballroom.

The Red Devils parachute team will drop into the resort via the beach for the day's finale, before a firework display.

The National Veterans' Day was established in 2006 and is designed to thank ex-servicemen and women for their service.

The focus of Veterans' Day is on celebrating both the past and the continuing contributions of veterans living in our communities.

BBC - Lancashire - People - Veterans' Day 2008