THE head of the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) has spoken of the importance of remembering British soldiers fighting overseas as he backed the first annual Lytham St Anne’s St George’s Day Festival.

The ABF – which supports serving and former soldiers and their families – is one of the beneficiaries of the Fylde event, the brainchild of Lytham entrepreneur David Haythornthwaite.

Mr Haythornthwaite has pledged the new annual festival will raise £100,000 each year for the charities, which also include Derian House Children’s Hospice, and £1 million within five years.

Now Major-General Sir Evelyn John Webb-Carter KCVO OBE, controller of the Army Benevolent Fund, has praised the festival, due to run for three days from April 23, and spoken of the ‘ultimate price’ many soldiers pay while fighting.

He said: “I welcome this initiative by David Haythornthwaite to celebrate St George’s Day in Lytham St Anne’s.

“It is a day which highlights the history and heritage of England of which all true Englishmen and women should be justly proud. It will also be an opportunity for us all to come together to celebrate our past and look forward to the future.”

The ABF makes grants available to both individuals and to charities – for such essential support as buying wheelchairs or care home fees. The fund is entirely dependent on voluntary donations, and must raise about £5.5 million per year.

He added: “The British Army has played a major role in our history and today they are fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. There is always a price to pay for such duty and service which the nation enjoys.

“There are those who pay the ultimate price; in 2008 we lost 35 soldiers who were killed on operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and then there are those who have been injured either physically or mentally. Many of the latter will not come to our notice for many years.

“The Army Benevolent Fund is there and always will be for those soldiers and former soldiers who are suffering in whatever way for whatever reason. We stand by to help all those good people whose contribution has made England what it is today.”

Lt Col Philip Aindow MBE TD, North West regional director of fundraising for the Army Benevolent Fund, added: “The Army Benevolent Fund plays an important role in the lives of so many people, and it is vital for it to get the support it needs.

“It is only with the support of local businesses and individuals that the festival can be a success, and I would urge everyone to help raise money for such a genuine good cause.”