NORTH Durham MP Kevan Jones and the Chester-le-Street branch of the Durham Light Infantry Association are paying tribute to veterans with a celebration tomorrow.

The event, marking the first annual Veterans' Day, will take place at the Chester-le-Street Civic Centre, from 2pm to 4pm.

Mr Jones will meet local veterans and present some of them with their Veterans' Badges. Refreshments will be served and a brass band will perform.

Mr Jones said: "Armed forces veterans and veterans' organisations play a big part in our community and it's a great idea to have a national day in their honour.

"It will be a privilege for me to meet some of our local veterans and present them with their smart new badges."

Members of the public are invited to attend.

Anyone who served in the armed forces up to and including December 31, 1954, is entitled to wear the Veterans' Badge. From next month, entitlement will be extended to those who served up to 1959.

Details are at http://www. veteransagency.mod.uk/vets_badge/vets_badge.htm