War veterans from the North-East are revisiting foreign shores where they saw action to honour fallen comrades, after receiving funding from the Lottery's Heroes Return Awards scheme.

Awards announced are enabling Second World War veterans, widows, spouses and carers from the region to revisit the battlefronts of 60 years ago through the multi-million pound initiative.

The Big Lottery Fund is today announcing funding for 26 people in the North-East to revisit historic locations under the scheme.

Among veterans in the North-East to receive funding is Bob Hall from Rollensgill, Tyne and Wear.

After service with the fire brigade, Mr Hall joined the Royal Navy in 1942.

He served as a stretcher bearer during battles on the Rhine towards the end of the war.

Big Lottery Fund head of North-East region, James Turner, said: "With Remembrance Sunday now just a month away, this special commemorative year marking the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War is drawing to a close.

"In a series of special events, communities have united to honour the sacrifices of those on the front line of battle, as well as those whose war was fought on the home front in towns and cities across the UK.

"Since launching the Heroes Return scheme, the Big Lottery Fund has helped 1,254 North-East veterans and their families to remember their part in the long road to Allied victory.

"The warm public response to the scheme, and to the broader Veterans Reunited programme, confirms the importance of the Big Lottery Fund's decision to create a programme which has helped to ensure the lessons of the Second World War will not be forgotten."