VETERANS from across the North-East have begun preparations for one of the largest Remembrance Day parades in the country.

The event, in Sunderland, which attracts veterans of the Second World War, the Suez, Korea and Gulf conflicts, will mark several important anniversaries this year. These include the 150th anniversary of the first Victoria Cross awarded to a Durham Light Infantry (DLI) member at Inkerburn, 90 years since the outbreak of the First World War and 60 years since the fateful battle of Normandy. The inclusion this year of the Light Division Band was heralded at the DLI Museum yesterday with a visit by veterans, including Colonel Harry Sell, a holder of the OBE and Military Cross for Gallantry, and Jim Murray, who served with the DLI in Korea.

The Light Division band, which exemplifies and continues the traditions of the DLI, and other light infantry regiments and will lead this year's Remembrance Parade in Sunderland, on Sunday, November 14.

Col Sell, who last year returned to the desert battlefields of Libya where he had found an unmarked grave of a fallen comrade, said the private soldier would be at the forefront of his mind at this year's commemorations.

The Band and Bugles of the Light Division will give a charity concert in aid of the Royal British Poppy Appeal and the Victoria Cross and George Cross Memorial Appeal at Seaburn Leisure Centre at 7.30pm on Saturday, November 13. Tickets are £7.50 or £5 for over-60s and are available from Arthur Lockyear on 0191-373 2035.