WAR veterans were presented with badges recognising their contribution to the country yesterday following an appeal by The Northern Echo.

More than 20 service veterans from the Crook area of County Durham were presented with Veteran's Badges by former cabinet minister Hilary Armstrong, MP for North-West Durham.

The ceremony, held at the Civic Centre, in Crook, was one of a number of events held both regionally and nationally to mark the third National Veterans' Day.

Ms Armstrong had called on former members of the Armed Forces to sign up for the enamelled, engraved and pinned badges, which are decorated with a tri-service, anchor, crossed swords and eagle motif.

Addressing the veterans, she said: "Many of us who live in Crook don't get the chance to say thank you and let you know how much we appreciate your contribution, so the Veteran's Badge is an acknowledgement.

"We live in a democratic society because people have been prepared to fight for that and serve for that. Sometimes, some people forget about that and take it for granted."

She went on to praise the families of those serving in the forces for the role they play and said: "I'm grateful to everybody who publicised this. The Northern Echo tried to ensure that as many By Dan King dan.king@nne.co.uk people as possible found out about it."

The badge can be awarded to anybody who served in the UK Army, Navy or Air Force between September 1945 and December 1994.

Also handing out the badges were Bob Pendlebury, who has been involved in the Royal British Legion for more than 30 years, and Councillor Geoff Mowbray.

"It's great that these people are getting recognition," said Mr Pendlebury. "It makes me very proud."

Coun Mowbray said: "I'm very privileged to be here. It's really amazing that there are so many people from this area who have served or are still serving."

William Crooks, 79, who served in Singapore between 1947 and 1950, said: "When I saw it in the paper, I phoned up and I am very pleased to have got the badge."

Other events were held across the North-East, including ceremonies in Darlington and Hartlepool, while the Duchess of Cornwall attended a service in Blackpool.