ERIC Howden is planning a bike ride of special significance next month.

Celebrating his 60th birthday in two weeks time, Mr Howden will visit Teesside's 24 war memorials during a sponsored bike ride.

He hopes to raise as much money as he can to help to send Normandy veterans to the French beaches where they landed 60 years ago.

For him, each mile he pedals on his 60-mile round trip will symbolise a year of freedom he and his generation might otherwise not have enjoyed had the allies lost the Second World War.

"D-Day was very important," said Mr Howden, Redcar branch secretary of the Royal British Legion.

"This was the start of the freedom for Europe, taking back countries the Germans had grabbed, countries which had lost their freedom.

" The ranks of the local Normandy veterans have diminished and this is a big chance for them to go back to the beaches with their families."

Mr Howden is chairing a special group of all ex-service associations from the area, to organise the 60th celebrations on June 6.

There are plans for a parade with pride of place being given to the Normandy veterans. The marchers will be followed by a procession of old military vehicles.

There will also be a service of remembrance at Redcar cenotaph.