CAMPAIGNERS have praised racegoers for their response to a poignant remembrance parade.

Punters at Redcar Racecourse fell silent as veterans joined present day servicemen and women, as well as cadets, for the parade in front of the grandstand.

Led by Parade Master Eric Howden BEM, the parade was the centrepiece of Redcar's annual Help For Heroes Day which has raised thousands of pounds in recent years.

Mr Howden, who is chairman of Redcar and Cleveland Royal British Legion, said: "It's wonderful to see the generations – past, present and future – brought together in the spirit of remembrance. It's a real honour for us to parade and it's brilliant that Redcar Racecourse stages the event every year."

Redcar Poppy Appeal organiser David Blissett added: "It's very much appreciated and the crowds are always so respectful."

Guest of honour was Help For Heroes ambassador, Jimmy Holborn, who was cared for by the charity, after suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome after serving in Iraq.

Jimmy said: "It's fantastic that a North-East racecourse shows this kind of support for a charity caring for servicemen and women who need help."