DUNKIRK veterans will be among those to see Atonement before it goes on general release.

They will be part of the 266strong audience at The Regent Cinema, in Redcar, on Wednesday, for the community premiere of Joe Wright's adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has worked with screen agency Northern Film and Media, Universal and Bafta Films to bring the premiere of the multi-Oscar tipped film to the town, where some of its most memorable scenes were shot.

A living history group will bring wartime memories back to Redcar as the council kicks off the free community celebrations with a Forties event at 11am tomorrow.

Visitors will step back in time as members of Hartlepool Heritage Memorial Society turn parts of the Esplanade and beach into wartime scenes.

Hartlepool Military Heritage Memorial Society will re-enact an encampment, complete with camouflage netting, field kitchen, mortars, sandbanks and ammunition, including two 25lb guns and an automatic, double-barrelled, anti-aircraft gun.

Founder Neil Forcer said: "We do not celebrate or glorify war.

We like to think of ourselves as a living museum, where people can participate.

"They can touch the uniforms and artifacts and really get to grips with it, and even eat food of the era as we will be cooking up bully beef on the day."

The group is also offering children the opportunity to try on battle dress.