WAR veterans will meet tomorrow to mark two important anniversaries.

They will attend a service for the 60th anniversary of the VE Day and 90th anniversary of the death of John Simpson Kirkpatrick, who saved 300 men during the first three weeks of the Gallipoli campaign during the First World War.

Organiser Arthur Lockyear, of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "It is so important to pause to remember the valour, sacrifice and the tragedies of two great and terrible world wars, and assure our surviving veterans that we appreciate all they did sixty years ago.

"I would pay tribute to the councils of South Tyneside and Sunderland for their support."

The event will be held in St Hilda's Parish church, Market Place, South Shields, and will be attended by serving members of Her Majesty's Forces, and military representatives of the Australian and Canadian High Commissions, and the US and Polish Embassies.

The service will start at 12.30pm with a fanfare by the Buglers of the Durham Army Cadet Force Borneo Band, and the Band of the Tyne Tees Regiment will play.

The congregation should be seated by 12.20pm.