Thousands cheer as WWII veterans lead Liberation Day Parade in the Netherlands

Thousands of people have cheered 13 British and Canadian Second World War veterans who led a Liberation Day Parade through the city of Wageningen in the Netherlands. 

The Britons have been making the trip since 2012 with the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans to mark the Dutch national day of remembrance.

This year's Liberation Day Parade was led by three golf carts and two London cabs carrying the Taxi Charity veterans.

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British Operation Market Garden veteran Geoff Roberts had the honour of lighting the flame of liberation alongside Canadian veteran George Brewster in Wageningen town square, watched by millions of people on Dutch TV.

The London-based volunteer organisation Taxi Charity for Military Veterans works for the benefit of veterans from all conflicts.

It relies on licensed London taxi drivers who volunteer their time and vehicles to provide veterans with regular outings and trips abroad.

The 13 veterans who journeyed to the Netherlands were showered with flowers, gifts and a roaring round of applause during the 5km route.

Speaking a day before the parade, Hans Kranenburg, the president of the Police Sport Association, addressed the veterans and said: "We are extremely honoured and privileged with your presence.

"Without your sacrifices and those of the many soldiers and freedom fighters we would not have been able to stand here to speak freely and to walk in freedom.

"Words cannot express what you have done for us.

"We will never fully understand the depth of your scars.

"Your dedication and commitment to liberate our country will always be in our hearts and minds. We owe you so much."

Frans Ammerlaan MBE, from the Market Garden Foundation, said: "We look forward to welcoming British veterans to the Netherlands each year and it is always such a pleasure to host these brave men and women."

And Dick Goodwin, the honorary secretary, of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, said: "The party of veterans had such a wonderful time thanks to the carers, volunteers, London cab drivers and our old and new Dutch friends.

"The reception the veterans receive everywhere we go is overwhelming and even on the ferry home the other passengers formed a guard of honour and applauded as the veterans headed to the lifts to disembark."

The charity was formed by three cab drivers in the Bedford Arms in Fulham in 1948 following a conversation about supporting their friends who had been injured during the First World War.

This led to the idea of a charity to support veterans.

Last year marked the 75th anniversary of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans and the milestone was celebrated in style at the Royal Air Force Club with more than 20 Second World War veterans arriving by taxi.