Two members of the Royal British Legion Millport were treated like celebrities when they recently visited the World War 1 battlefields and cemeteries of Belgium and France.

Duncan McTaggart and John Kennedy were accompanied on their trip by David Kirkland of Ayr British Legion, and Stewart Aitken (Jnr) of Rutherglen.

Battlefields visited included Ypres, Passchendale, Vimy Ridge, Sanctuary Wood, Arras, and The Somme. The various cemeteries visited were Essex, Tyne Cot and Thiepval (Somme).

The Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate (Ypres) was also attended where the Legion members were warmly welcomed by the New Zealand Officer in charge.

Speaking to the ‘News’, Mr McTaggart said: “The people were very kind there, and really appreciated our visit. After the service at Menin Gate, we spent an hour and a half due to people wanting to take our photos and pose with us - it was a really spectacular event.

“At night there was a service with the fire brigade and their bugles - there were thousands of people there - and that happens every night except Christmas Eve. It was a most interesting and enjoyable experience.”