HUNDREDS of serving members of the Armed Forces took part in the parade from Sunderland Civic Centre to the city's War Memorial in Burdon Road earlier today (Sunday).

They were joined by hundreds of veterans from past conflicts, led by the Band of T.S. Collingwood, South Shields Sea Cadets and the Bearpark and Esh Colliery Band.

Units taking part in this year's parade included the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, 9th Army Air Corps, 1st Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), Guards 25 Platoon and the 2nd Infantry Training Battalion.

The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Stuart Porthouse, said: “Remembrance Sunday is an opportunity for everyone in Sunderland to pay tribute to those who fought in conflicts past and present, and the many who gave up their lives for their country.

“It's also really important that we use this occasion to honour the servicemen and women of today, how we let them know how much we value what they do, and how we recognise and appreciate the sacrifices they make on our behalf.

“The sad loss of young men from this city who have lost their lives in recent conflicts will be especially close to our hearts as we remember all those who have paid the ultimate price."

As in previous years, veteran Ted Hold, President of the Sunderland Branch of the Parachute Regimental Association, recited the first four verses of the famous war poem 'For the Fallen' before the two minute silence at 11am.

This was followed by veteran Len Gibson, a member of 125 Anti Tank Regiment Royal Artillery and a prisoner of war on the notorious ‘Death Railway’, reciting the Far Eastern Prisoner of War Prayer before the wreath laying.

The parade culminated in a march past of veterans and serving members of Her Majesty's Forces, with a salute taken outside the steps of the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens in Borough Road.