WEST Devon second world war veterans are being urged to take advantage of the Big Lottery Fund's Heroes Return.

Geoffrey Cox, MP for West Devon and Torridge, is calling for veterans to get in touch to take advantage of the project for them to visit areas of service.

The aim of the fund is to provide financial assistance towards travel and accommodation costs for veterans to visit the places were they saw active service. The grants are available for veterans or their widows, along with spouses and a carer.

The trips must be taken by the end of this year, and veterans who have already taken trips but were unaware of Heroes Return can apply for retrospective funding until January 31 2011.

So far, more than 10,000 people have been awarded funding totalling more than £7-million to return to places, including Italy, France, Greece, Holland, Germany, USA, the Far East and Australia, as well as to make trips within the UK.

Mr Cox said: 'I am urging veterans, or their widows, to contact my office for further details about the Heroes Return fund.

'This is a wonderful way to give something back to those who fought for our country and to show our appreciation for what they did for us. I very much hope some people will be able to take advantage of this opportunity.'

For further information, or to receive an application form, contact Geoffrey Cox's office on 01237 459001 or email [email protected]">[email protected]