A GROUP of friends is to mark the 60th anniversary of D-Day by following the path of Allied forces in Normandy.

Brothers Nick and Peter Boldrini and ten pals plan to cover 60 miles, to raise money for the Royal British Legion and the Normandy Veterans Association.

They will visit France in time for commemoration events on June 6 and spend five days walking the routes taken by British and Canadian forces advancing inland from the Sword, Gold and Juno beaches in 1944.

Four of the group will wear the uniforms of soldiers involved in the massive assault that eventually led to the Nazis' defeat.

Nick, an archaeologist, of Pelaw, Gateshead, said: "Me and my brother came up with the idea when we were on holiday in Normandy a couple of years ago.

"We come from the New Forest and my brother is doing it in the uniform of the Hampshire Regiment and I thought I would do it in the Durham Light Infantry uniform as I live up here."

Nick, a military history enthusiast, said that the group hoped to raise £5,000 for the charities and that they hoped to see commemorative events taking place during their trip.

Nick yesterday visited the DLI Museum in Durham City which is staging a 60th anniversary D-Day and Battle for Normandy exhibition until June 13.

It has been put together by a group of enthusiasts led by Major Ian English MC, who landed with 8DLI on D-Day.

It features display panels that look at the Durhams on June 6, 1944, and in later battles at St Pierre, Lingevres, Rauray and Mont Picon.

Anyone wanting to sponsor the team can make cheques payable to Normandy 60th D-Day Walk Fund and send them to Mr Boldrini at 5 Fellmere Avenue, Pelaw, Gateshead, NE10 0XL.