WAR veterans have recorded their memories ahead of Remembrance Day for a unique project by The Northern Echo.

Seven veterans from the region who served during the Second World War and later conflicts have been interviewed.

Every day from Monday, a veteran will tell his story on The Northern Echo website, www.

thenorthernecho.co.uk After watching the videos, viewers will be able to leave online tributes to the men and women killed in action.

The seven stories give an insight into the life of servicemen during the past century.

The veterans' memories are occasionally humorous, often poignant and always vivid.

The Second World War heroes witnessed major battles and turning points of the war, including the D-Day landings, the Allied escape from Dunkirk and the ill-fated battle for Arnhem.

Two were taken prisoner and one recovered after being shot.

Another veteran recalls learning to fly a Spitfire as a teenager and being sent to the Pacific to fight the Japanese.

Those who served more recently tell their experiences of less well-known but just as dangerous operations, including the Malayan Conflict and Aden Emergency.

One former Green Howard, who served for 30 years, tells of an incident he describes as the saddest of his life.

The last video will go online on Remembrance Sunday when all the veterans interviewed will commemorate friends and comrades killed in action.

Colonel David Black, 63, from Osmotherley, North Yorkshire, talks about his experiences of serving in Northern Ireland.

He said: "It's important that we have Remembrance Sunday, wear our poppies with pride and continue to give generously."

Fleet Air Arm pilot Dr Gordon Rider, 82, from Hutton Rudby, North Yorkshire, added: "A lot of my friends died, some in flying accidents and some in the Japanese theatre of war.

"You can't forget these things so you do remember when you stand there in front of the cenotaph on Armistice Sunday."