The ceremony during which the George Cross was officially presented to Malta and its people in 1942 will be commemorated at an event which the Malta Tourism Authority will hold on Wednesday.

The MTA this year decided to evoke the historical day through a commemorative event in Palace Square, Valletta, rather than by a re-enactment, as it did last year.

The event will include World War II photos projected on a screen and about 50 re-enactors, together with the Malta Police Band, the Mounted Police and a unit from the Armed Forces of Malta.

The words "To honour the brave people, I award the George Cross to the Island Fortress of Malta to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history" were scripted as a citation, issued by King George VI, on April 15, 1942, to honour the Maltese, who, at the time, were enduring incessant bombing raids.

These words were again read out on September 13 of the same year in Palace Square, Valletta, when the medal was presented to Chief Justice Sir George Borg on behalf of the besieged islanders.

The script of the commemorative evening is by George Peresso and the event will be directed by Ino Bonello. A group of about 65 George Cross Island members from the UK are expected to attend.

The event starts at 8 p.m.

Admission is free and seating is available on request.

For further information call 2291 5440/1.