A petition is running to recognise the great contribution to Britain of our two surviving First World War veterans Henry Allingham and Harry Patch.

In conjunction with my neighbour Chris Brown, who has a great interest in military history, I have set up the petition on the Government website which I hope may engage your interest.

It is worded: “We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to find a special way to recognise the great contribution of our surviving First World War Veterans.”

There are some supporting facts on the petition worded ‘France awarded Henry Allingham and Harry Patch their Legion of Honour several years ago and recently made them Officers of the Legion of Honour. Well done France.

We ask that they are also recognised by their own country in a special way in the gift of the PM’ If you agree with these sentiments please click on the following website address and you can easily sign up directly. Go to www.petitions.number10.gov.uk/WW1VeteransGift We only need 200 signatures to elicit a Government reply.

Bob Lee, Petticoat Lane, Dilton Marsh.