HAWK jets will be making a fleeting appearance at what has become one of the country's leading Remembrance Sunday commemorations.

The aircraft, as used by the world famous Red Arrows, will make their flypast at Sunday's Remembrance service and wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial in Sunderland.

It is the culmination of weekend commemorations in the city, starting with a Concert of Remembrance, at the Seaburn Centre, at 7pm.

This year's concert, compered by broadcaster Jonathan Morrell, will include performances from the Band of the RAF Regiment, the Borneo Band and Bugles, Newcastle Male Chorus, Castletown Primary School Choir, in Sunderland, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Pipe Band plus soprano singer Gemma Busfield.

Proceedings will draw to a close with a march-on of forces and emergency services personnel, to a backdrop of the standards of the Royal British Legion and a poppy drop.

Tickets, costing £6, are available at the city's Tourist Information Centre, in Fawcett Street, on 0191-553 2000.

Sunday's Remembrance Parade and Service will feature more than 300 serving members of the armed forces and 200 men and women from the emergency services.

They will be joined by more than 200 veterans for the annual Service of Remembrance and wreath laying at the city's war memorial, in Burdon Road.

This year's parade will be led by the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, Bearpark and Esh Colliery Band, plus the pipes and drums of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service.

Contingents are also expected from Sunderland's adopted warship, HMS Ocean, and the city's affiliated regiment, the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery.

Among others taking part will be a 40-strong contingent from 609 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, from RAF Leeming, in North Yorkshire, several of whom have recently returned from duty in Afghanistan.

Forty trainees from the Guards Training Company of the Infantry Training Centre, at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, plus a small detachment from the Coldstream Guards, will also be taking part.

As in previous years, four troopers from the Household Cavalry with their distinctive breast plates and helmets will provide an honour guard at the War Memorial during the service, while the Royal Marine Buglers will sound the Last Post.

The parade from Sunderland Civic Centre is followed by the annual Service of Remembrance and wreath laying culminates in a march past of veterans and serving members of the forces.

Air Vice Marshall Steve Hillier will take the salute. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for operations over Iraq in 1999 and the United States Bronze Star, for operations in 2003.

Members of the public are advised to be in place at the war memorial on Burdon Road, by 10.15am.