Veteran waits 71 years for holiday

A D-Day veteran whose holiday was cancelled because of the outbreak of the Second World War told how he has finally been able to enjoy histrip thanks to a 71-year-old credit note.

By The Newsroom

Published 18th Oct 2010, 22:58 BST

Updated 18th Oct 2010, 22:58 BST

Len Townsend, 89, had planned to travel to Bembridge on the Isle of Wight in 1939.

But when the war started, he received a letter from the travel company saying that the trip was cancelled and the holiday park was being taken over by the government.

Mr Townsend held on to the letter from Yelland's Chalet Hotels which included a 10-shilling credit note.

Now, more than seven decades later, the current owners, Bourn

Holidays, has honoured the note and Mr Townsend, of Ludham, Norfolk, finally had a chance to enjoy the holiday.

Isle of Wight Norfolk