Local veterans hoping to return to Normandy this year for the anniversary of D-Day have been given a boost to their travel fund thanks to the efforts of staff at a Norwich superstore.

Staff at QD Stores in Norwich raised £300 through a number of fundraising initiatives to help the veterans make their annual pilgrimage to the French beaches where they and their comrades fought for freedom.

The Norwich and District Branch of the Normandy Veterans' Association accepted a cheque at the Royal British Legion base in Aylsham Road and thanked staff for their efforts.

Mandy Fox is personal assistant to QD Stores' group managing director, Justin Farrington Smith. Her father-in-law, Len Fox, is a member of the veterans' association.

'I know how much this means to Len and his fellow veterans,' she said.

'Most are in their late 80s and for some, this may be the last trip back they can manage. I just felt we should do something to help them with such an incredible undertaking.

'I know how grateful all the veterans are to the staff at QD who really got behind the campaign and raised lots of money through a number of raffles and auctions we held throughout last year.'

The Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News are supporting the Norwich and District Branch of the Normandy Veterans' Association in its bid to visit France for the 70th anniversary of D-Day in 2014.

We have raised nearly £9,000 towards our £20,000 total – if you would like to donate some money to help Norfolk's veterans, please send cheques (made payable to Archant Community Media Limited) to Sandra Mackay, PA to Nigel Pickover, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich, NR1 1RE.

stacia.briggs@archant.co.uk