HISTORY repeated itself at a pub as families gathered to celebrate Second World War servicemen seven decades after they were first honoured.

According to a newspaper cutting, a pie and pea supper was held at The Eden Arms, in West Auckland, in what is believed to be 1945 when the Welcome Home Fund presented two war veterans with cheques for £15.

The ceremony marked the valiant efforts of the already decorated Warrant Officer William Patterson and Corporal Frederick Foster who survived and returned home to West Auckland.

Today (Thursday, April 28) family members joined together to remember the duo with a presentation followed by pie and peas in the very same spot.

Cpl Foster's son John Foster, 74, of West Auckland, said: "It's a very important day for me. I'm thrilled to bits and very proud, not just for my father but for Bill (WO Patterson) as well."

Representatives from the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) County Durham branch handed over a commemorative plaque to landlord David Clarke.

The framed momento features the newspaper cutting, possibly from The Northern Echo, and details the worthy careers of the late serviceman.

SSAFA branch chairman Michael Donne said: "These men came home and carried on with their jobs and didn't talk about it or make a fuss.

"We thought it was right as The Eden Arms is still here that we should come back and present them with something to remember them by.

"It's historic information for the modern generation in West Auckland."

For his service in the Royal Air Force, WO Patterson was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross after captaining a Lancaster Bomber and completing a full operational tour of 30 sorties over enemy territory.

Corp Foster, of the Royal Engineers, was handed a Military Medal for his service.

In 1943 the London Gazette reported as a member of No.2 Platoon he showed a "magnificent example to all in his vicinity" during eight hours in an area which was made subject to heavy small arms fire, accurate sniping and intense mortar and shell fire.

David Clarke, landlord of The Eden Arms, said: "We are looking to put some history in the pub because people who visit the area are interested in what's gone on. This gives us some history on people from the village."