A PARADE to remember the role North-East firefighters played in the Second World War is to take place this weekend to coincide with the VE Day celebrations.

The parade of standards from across the North of England and Scotland takes place on Sunday at St Hilda's Church in the Market Place, South Shields, South Tyneside.

During the Second World War, three firefighters from what is now Tyne and Wear earned the George Medal for gallantry.

Other emergency services, including the North-East Ambulance Service and Northumbria Police, will also take part.

The ceremony will also commemorate John Simpson Kirkpatrick - the South Shields-born soldier who died at Gallipoli and who became one of Australia's most celebrated war heroes.

Commander Andrew Fysh, of the Royal Australian Navy, who will be representing the Australian High Commissioner in London, said: "Jack Kirkpatrick is most certainly Australia's most significant hero of the Gallipoli campaign and the Australian High Commission is very proud to be represented in his home town.

"I feel that it is appropriate in this 60th anniversary year of the ending of World War Two that we all come together to remember those who served and, of course, those who did not return.

"I am particularly looking forward to meeting and talking with local veterans during my visit."

Victoria Cross winner Captain Richard Annand, who was also born in South Shields and died in his adopted home of Durham City on Christmas Eve, will also be remembered during the service.

For further details of the service, contact Arthur Lockyear on 0191-444 1272.