The event, organised by Coun Paul Kane and the Reporter's Margaret Watson, saw 150 veterans enjoy an afternoon of music and entertainment from Sammy King. Among the guests were Dewsbury channel swimmer Eileen Fenton, the Rev Kevin Partington, the rector of Dewsbury Minster, MP Shahid Malik and the Mayor of Mirfield, Coun Robert Bennett.

They were joined by the Mayor of Kirklees, Coun Jean Calvert, who gave free use of the town hall and welcomed everyone to the reception last Friday.

Coun Kane told the veterans: "This event is to celebrate the lives of yourselves and to think about lost friends. It's not only for people that are here but for the people we've lost; for us to understand and reminisce a little. I want you to celebrate life itself because you've come through a lot of things.

"This event is for veterans from all conflicts but also for the people that have served us and served us as a town, like the Bevin Boys and Land Girls. It's also a thank you from the people of Dewsbury for your service during the war and other conflicts after."

Catherine McCabe, 88, of Westborough, said the reception was a lovely idea and had given her the chance to share memories of her time in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force during World War 2. Harry Child, 83, of Earlsheaton, served in Europe and the Middle East with the Royal Army Service Corps. He said events like the reception were important because they gave people the chance to remember and catch up with old friends.

Frank Lockwood, 66, of Staincliffe, who served with 1st Battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry said it was also a time to think of soldiers currently serving and the risks they faced.

He added that he would like to see the government give more support to returning soldiers and bring back military hospitals to care for injured servicemen and women. Dewsbury MP Shahid Malik, a patron of the Royal British Legion, told the Reporter: "We each owe an immense debt of gratitude to our veterans. The event was fantastic – full credit goes to Paul Kane and everyone else who played their part."



Margaret and Paul would like to thank: Soroptimist International of Dewsbury and the Women's Health Group for serving the tea, Linda Hutchinson for providing the flowers, Asda and Sainsburys for donating raffle prizes, G and M Catering for supplying the food and Clem Leach Glass and Catering Suppliers (Horbury).