Normandy veterans in Bristol have welcomed the news that the Ministry of Defence will provide support for former servicemen wanting to mark the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings in June.

The MoD had previously said it had no plans to fund a trip, although it has not clarified what help is now on offer.

Stan Jarvis, 84, from Bedminster, a veteran of the Normandy landings, has organised two coaches to transport 48 Bristol veterans and family members to France.

The Normandy Veterans Association (NVA) says it is yet to hear from the Government about what help will be provided, but Mr Jarvis said he was very happy that some of their costs may be refunded.

For many of the association's members, the 65th anniversary will be their last chance to remember the sacrifices made on June 6, 1944.

Mr Jarvis said: "I am pleased to hear the Government may help fund our trip. They are a bit late in announcing it, but it would certainly help us.

"I have been back to Normandy many times. Our visits there are very important.

"It's very difficult to explain what I feel when I return. I have seen strong men in tears. It's always really moving."

It is estimated 500 UK veterans are still fit enough to make the journey to Normandy.

The veterans association said it had been in talks with the MoD for several months about funding a trip but officials had refused financial help.

Minister for Veterans Kevan Jones will be meeting the association's leaders next week to discuss the issue.

Among the association's leaders is Peter Hodge, 67, from Highridge. Mr Hodge is not a Normandy veteran himself, but is the honorary general secretary of the NVA.

He become involved after doing some research into the landings and then helped to found the Bristol branch of the NVA, the second branch in the UK to be set up.

Mr Hodge said: "We are hoping when the veterans return to England from France, the Government will show them some real recognition.

"Ideally I think that some thing like a banquet should be held for the veterans at the Guildhall in London.

"And they are having their final march down Whitehall on June 23 and if the Queen could be there, that would be absolutely delightful because the veterans get a great thrill when they see her and I know that she thoroughly enjoyed the previous commemorations."

The MoD had previously said it was policy to provide funding only to commemorate 25th, 50th, 60th and 100th anniversaries of nationally important events.

Five years ago, every veteran received a grant of £330 from the Lottery Fund to pay for their trip to commemorate the 60th anniversary.