VETERANS from across the North-East will converge in Newcastle to mark the 25th anniversary of the Falklands' conflict.

They will join a parade - the largest of its kind outside of London - when more than 400 representatives from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force will be welcomed to the city by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle and other civic dignitaries.

The parade will conclude with a civic reception where new recipients of the Armed Forces Veterans Badge will be presented with their award by Nigel Sherlock, the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear.

Before the parade, servicemen and women and civic guests will attend a Service of Remembrance at St Thomas the Martyr Church.

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Peter Arnold, said: ''The Falklands' conflict was a very important chapter in our history and involved many service men and women from Newcastle and the whole region.

''This occasion will give the people of the North East an opportunity to thank those who took part in this and other conflicts around the world.''