NORTH-EAST veterans of the Second World War were saluted yesterday by a charity fund, 60 years after peace was declared in Britain.

Every single veteran has had their name added to a Heroes Return memorial scroll to be presented to the Minister for Veterans, Don Touhig.

The Heroes Return initiative, part of the Big Lottery Fund Veterans Reunited programme, has allowed thousands of veterans to return to the battlefronts of the conflict.

A total of £49.3m has been pledged, to help Britain commemorate the war.

Because of the scheme, a total of 1,267 North-East veterans have been recognised for their sacrifices, 13 of whom were added to this register yesterday, making them the final people to receive awards since it began last January.

Among those whose awards were announced yesterday were Sidney Bolam from Newcastle, recently returned from Cairo; and Ron Griffiths, from Stockton, who went to Nijmegen, inHolland, both thanks to the Heroes Return Fund.

More than 37,500 veterans, spouses, widows and carers have visited the fields where victory was achieved since the project was launched.

James Turner, head of the Big Lottery Fund North-East said: "The Big Lottery Fund is a good cause. The funding recognises the pride of our region and the nation in these men and women who did so much for their country."

He added: "With the support of the scheme, many veterans now in their 80s and 90s have made the journey back to the battlefronts to salute the sacrifices of comrades in arms who did not return.

"The Big Lottery Fund has made it a priority to help tell the stories of the men and women making these journeys of remembrance."

Despite the scheme now being closed to new applicants, the trips and events that have already been funded will continue throughout the winter months.