A PRICELESS collection of regimental silverware has gone on display in Durham Cathedral, as part of a national exhibition.

The exhibition, which runs until November 28, is being held in the Chapel of the Nine Altars to highlight the work of SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association), one of the country's biggest and oldest military charities.

To give the display local fla-vour, a small collection of solid silver statuettes, rose bowls and other items are being put on show for the first time in the run-up to Remembrance Day.

The objects are usually kept under lock and key in the Durham Light Infantry's offices around the city.

The silverware will be under constant guard while it is on view, and will go back into the regimental vaults at the end of the Remembrance Day service, in the cathedral, on Sunday.

SSAFA's County Durham secretary Les Hutchinson said: "We are grateful to the regiment for offering the silverware and allowing it to remain on show for the Remembrance Day Service, which is a particularly poignant time."

Captain Richard Annand VC and his wife Shirley had a chance to look at the silverware before it went on display in the cathedral.

Capt Annand was a Second Lieutenant with the DLI's 2nd Battalion in Belgium, in 1940, when he won the VC for attacking German positions three times and then, while under enemy fire, rescuing his wounded batman in a wheelbarrow.

SSAFA's display, which is touring the country, includes photographs,videos and other historical memorabilia, and highlights the association's appeal for volunteers