JUBILANT war veterans were celebrating today after being given the go-ahead for their Remembrance Day parade.

A legal wrangle had forced the St John's and Hallow Royal British Legion to scrap Sunday's march.

But yesterday, after devastated ex-servicemen spoke out in the Evening News, they said police contacted the branch and gave them the all-clear to march.

New legislation means organisations have to apply to the city council for a police-manned road closure 28 days in advance. Adverts are then placed in the Press seven days before the march.

The St John's and Hallow branch, which did not apply because it was unaware of the new rule, was told to call off its 20-year-old parade.

Bob Peart, the branch's honorary secretary, said members were thrilled by the latest development.

"The police rang us yesterday afternoon and told us we could go ahead," said the 82-year-old.

"We're extremely pleased and very grateful to the Evening News.

"We were devastated when we were told we couldn't do it - we've always had the parade.

"It's a very special time of year for us, being able to remember our colleagues in this way. School pals of mine in Ledbury got called up and never came back.

"That's why I do this job. I was lucky enough to come back after six years in the war and this is the least I can do."

More than 200 ex-servicemen, Guides, Brownies, Scouts and Boy's and Girl's Brigade members are to march from Swanpool car park to St John's church at 9.30am.

"Common sense has prevailed," said deputy Mayor Dave Clark. "I told the police yesterday there had never been any objection by the council."

The police today declined to comment on their decision.