ARMED forces veterans and their family members packed out a cinema for a private screening of new war film Dunkirk.

Organised by charity Shoulder to Soldier, more than 100 people attended the special screening of the film about the famous Second World War battle at Cineworld Leigh on Monday.

The cinema was decorated with Union Jack flags and Royal Air Force veteran Frank Rothwell, from Leigh, who fought in the Second World War, was among those who attended.

He said: “It was an emotional evening and the film was a very realistic account of the Dunkirk evacuation.

“Many young lives were lost in the service of their country.

“I enjoyed being surrounded by fellow veterans and their families.”

A minute's silence, led by Kenneth Bowden of the Wigan borough's branch of the National Service Royal Air Force Association, was observed before the film started at 6pm.

Chairman of the Royal Air Force Association John Magee also attended.

Shoulder to Soldier trustee Angela Coates said: “The war left many families affected forever, including ours.

“My grandmother's first husband was killed at Dunkirk and her life as a war widow has driven our passion to support armed forces families.

“Another veteran from the battle, Hugh Seddon, his name on the Atherton Cenotaph and he was one of the many men who died at sea.

“By organising the event it is our way of thanking our armed forces families by bringing all the groups together for an evening out.

"We hope to do it again and are busy fundraising.”

The audience gave Ethan Stansfield, 10, and Katie Coates, 11, a round of applause for completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in aid of Shoulder to Shoulder.

The pair climbed the three highest peaks in Yorkshire last Saturday and Sunday

They were presented with medals, thank you cards and chocolate gifts by Shoulder to Soldier representatives for completing the trek.

Shoulder to Soldier provides past and present armed forces personnel with financial support, advice and access to facilities and events to improve their social lives.

You can visit shoulder to solider and support their projects at:

https://www.shouldertosoldier.org.uk/