Interest in World War II has rarely been greater

The veterans will revisit the battlefields where they fought as part of the �10m Heroes Return scheme.

This summer's 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy will be one of the most poignant gatherings.

Paid for by the Lottery's New Opportunities Fund, the scheme was launched by veterans in the bunker of the Cabinet War Rooms in London on Monday.

This is the same bunker where 60 years ago, Churchill oversaw the deployment of Allied forces which finally led to victory and peace.

The scheme will also provide Lottery funding for veterans' spouses and carers to accompany them. War widows and widowers will also be eligible for remembrance visits funding.

Northern Ireland veteran Sir John Gorman has welcomed the scheme on behalf of the hundreds of local veterans expected to take part.

I can vividly recall the many men who died and the many who were grievously wounded then and earlier in Normandy Sir John Gorman

Sir John, 81, served with the Irish Guards in North West Europe and won the Military Cross for his courageous actions as a Lieutenant in France when he rammed and knocked out a German King Tiger Tank with his Sherman Tank.

He said: "I can vividly recall the many men who died and the many who were grievously wounded then and earlier in Normandy.

"Hundreds of them - good friends and trained soldiers able to cope with triumph and disaster.

"Even after 60 years the memories are as fresh as ever and the wonderful opportunity being afforded through the Heroes Return programme will enable veterans of the Second World War, including widows, to revisit the scenes of their experiences during that conflict.

"The experience of returning to those places with former comrades and sharing the memories of a key stage of our lives has been absolutely vital over the years.

"I am delighted that the New Opportunities Fund will enable many veterans to make that special journey through this programme."

Breidge Gadd, Northern Ireland board member of the New Opportunities Fund said: "I am keenly aware of the great debt we all owe to our veterans.

"For many who lived through the dark days of the Second World War, there is an abiding memory of the sense of co-operation and community which helped to see us through.

"The New Opportunities Fund is proud that we are able to channel lottery good cause money to this scheme.