AN MP has announced plans to mark the inaugural Veterans' Day next month, following a war of words with a Labour-controlled council.

North Durham Labour MP Kevan Jones, had accused Chester-le-Street Council of letting people down by failing to make plans for the event.

Mr Jones, with the Chester-le-Street branch of the Durham Light Infantry Association, has organised an event at the town's Civic Centre from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday, June 24.

There will be a display of photographs, a band will perform military tunes, and Mr Jones will present some local veterans with their Veterans' Badges.

Refreshments will also be served and all members of the public are being invited to attend.

Council leader Councillor Linda Ebbatson last week responded to Mr Jones' remarks, saying that the possibility of organising an event had been brought to the authority's attention at very short notice.

Coun Ebbatson said she was not told of the funding made available to mark the event until five days after the deadline.

However, the council said it was organising a summer festival, at which it was hoped a veteran's day would be included.

* Men and women who served in the Armed Forces up to and including December 31, 1954, are entitled to wear the new Veteran's Badge.

Any eligible constituents who would like their Veteran's Badge to be presented by Mr Jones at the celebration on June 24, should forward their application form directly to him by no later than June 9.

Send the application to: Kevan Jones MP, Co-operative Buildings, 9 Plawsworth Road, Sacriston, Co Durham, DH7 6HJ.