Funding will be provided for Second World War veterans' travel costs to attend events in London for the 70th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

Veterans are invited to the Government's national commemorations in the capital over the VE Day weekend from Friday, May 8, to Sunday, May 10.

Places will be available for a series of commemorative events over the weekend including on VE Day itself, Friday, May 8, when a Service of Remembrance will be held at The Cenotaph, with a national two minute silence at 3pm.

On Sunday, May 10, there will a Service of Thanksgiving at 11am at Westminster Abbey attended by The Queen, followed by a parade from the Abbey to Horse Guards Parade and into St James’s Park, where the Legion will host a lunch reception for the veterans.

Bob Gamble, assistant director of engagement for The Royal British Legion, said: "The Second World War generation is being placed at the heart of all activity for VE Day 70, and the Legion is calling out to veterans, who would like to take part in the national commemorations in London to visit our website and accredit without delay.

"To ensure representation across all those who played an active role during the Second World War, the invitation is for those who served in the military, the Home Guard or in any one of the reserved occupations, including medics, police and the ‘Bevan Boys’. We welcome the provision of funding to help with travel costs and hope it will assist veterans when making their arrangements for this important date."

Second World War veterans wishing to attend the events are asked to accredit as soon as possible and assistance will be provided to those without access to the internet.

All veterans can be accompanied by a companion, or family member, and online registration is available at http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/ve70vets.

Telephone enquiries regarding registration can be made via 0808 802 8080.