TWO soldiers awarded the Victoria Cross for outstanding bravery during the Falklands War will be honoured in a Remembrance Day ceremony.

The widow of Lieutenant Colonel "H" Jones and the mother of Sergeant Ian McKay will lay the final wreaths at Sunderland's commemoration on Sunday.

The organisers decided to invite Sara Jones and Sunderland-born Freda McKay to be guests of honour to mark the 20th anniversary of the conflict with Argentina.

Lt Col Jones, who was commander of the Parachute Regiment's Second Battalion, was killed as he came under heavy fire charging Argentine positions during the attack on Goose Green.

His widow, who was left to bring up three young children, is a founder of the South Atlantic Medal Association, which helps the families of servicemen killed during the conflict.

Mrs Jones said: "I am looking forward to being part of Sunderland's tribute to all those who died in all conflicts.

"It is important that we never forget the price that has been paid for our liberty."

St McKay, of the Parachute Regiment's Third Battalion, single-handedly captured an Argentine bunker after three of his comrades were hit by heavy fire.

His citation read: "With a complete disregard for his own safety, he displayed courage and leadership of the highest order and was an inspiration to all those around him."

The ceremony will take place at the city's War Memorial, in Burdon Road, following a parade which leaves the Civic Centre at 10.30am.

More than 250 full-time and reserve service personnel - including 100 from the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick - are expected to take part, along with hundreds of veterans.

The salute will be taken by the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Peter Gibson.

Also attending will be Sandy Powell, of South Shields, who won the Distinguished Service Medal as a Royal Marine Commando during the D-Day landings, and was involved in negotiations for the surrender of 1,500 German troops.

Parade co-ordinator Arthur Lockyear said: "The active support of the Infantry Training Centre has, over the past couple of years, helped to turn this parade into one of the finest occasions of its kind in the UK."

Gallipoli revisited

SOLDIERS from a regiment which recruits in the North-East will be sparing a thought for men from their unit who died at Gallipoli this weekend.

Green Howards returned to the scene of the battle to examine if there are lessons the modern British Army can learn - and to lay wreaths for the dead.

The grandfather of Lieutenant Colonel Nick Watt, who commands the regiment's 1st Battalion, was among those who lost their lives in 1915.

"It was a moving experience to stand where my grandfather died 86 years ago," he said. "As we lay our wreaths at our headquarters in Northern Ireland on Sunday, we will think about all those who gave their lives in distant countries fighting for peace."