SIX inspirational war veterans wounded in the line of duty passed into County Durham today (September 6) as part of a 1,000 mile charity walk.

Five men and one woman made up the Walking With The Wounded team who are on a mission to complete the Walk Of Britain - a 72-day challenge from Scotland to London.

And today the veterans, who all have either physical or cognitive injuries, made their way from Stanhope to Barnard Castle with town councillor Gary Marshall and received a round of applause from officials and residents alike.

The team, made up of Stewart Hill, Matt Fisher, Alec Robotham, Scott Ransley, Kirstie Ennis and Andrew Bement, hopes to engage with local communities and raise awareness of the charity which aims to support the wounded back into independence through long-term employment.

They expect to finish at Buckingham Palace on November 1 and will even be joined by Prince Harry himself, who is also the charity’s patron.

Mr Robotham, a former Royal Marine who suffered a severe right leg trauma, puncture wounds, hearing damage and a left foot drop from a suicide bomber while on operation in Afghanistan in 2010, said: “It’s been fantastic and so interesting in the different places we have visited.

“The support has been amazing – we never expected this kind of support,” the 29-year-old added.

Fellow Royal Marine, Scott Ransley, was left blind in his right eye when an IED bomb went off while he was clearing an IED factory in Afghanistan.

“It’s been a great reception and everyone has been nice – the North-East has probably the best reception so far,” the 27-year-old said.

“The charity is really important for people who are still suffering – it’s good for them to see what we are doing and to spur them on to think ‘If they can do it then I can’.”

To donate visit walkingwiththewounded.org.uk/walkofbritain2015