WAR veterans from the region are heading back to the battlefields where they saw action 60 years ago.

The Second World War heroes have been awarded Lottery funding to travel to the places in Europe which will forever have a place in history.

John Morrison, Bob Simpson and George Brown are among the first to be given funds from the New Opportunity Fund's Heroes Return scheme.

Mr Morrison, 82, of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has been awarded £525 towards the cost of next month's trip to Markabygd, in Norway, where his plane was shot down in 1942.

Half the crew of the Halifax bomber died in the attack, but Mr Morrison was taken in by locals who risked death by German firing squad to dress his wounds and help him escape to Sweden.

He said: "This might be the last chance I get to say thank you to the people who selflessly helped me."

Mr Simpson will travel with his daughter, Julie Hauserman, to the beaches of Normandy, where as a 23-year-old he served as a paramedic during the D-Day landings.

The 84-year-old, from County Durham, said: "It will be a very sad time, but I am looking forward to paying my respects to those who lost their lives."

South Tyneside Royal Engineer "sapper" George Brown saw action in Italy and was wounded in Anzio in 1944.

The 83-year-old has received £1,300 to return to the Italian battlefields with his son, Brian.

His son said: "When I was a child my father found it difficult to speak about the Second World War, so I am finding out for the first time his experiences."

Thousands more veterans are expected to receive funds from the scheme, which runs until the end of next year, and can be contacted on (0800) 1692277.

* Are you a D-Day veteran? If so, The Northern Echo wants to hear from you. Contact Chris Lloyd on (01325) 381313.