The Chelsea Pensioners are set to visit the North East next week which will see them tour the area and visit local care homes.

East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham have said they are "honoured" to host the Chelsea Pensioners for lunch and for a tour of Seaham next week at 11am (April 3).

The veterans, who are known for their iconic scarlet coat and black shako cap will visit Seaham Seafront, with stops at Tommy, the Ray Lonsdale statue of a World War One soldier, and the newly installed Artillery Field Gun.

The Northern Echo: Grahame Morris, Alan Campbell, Kevin Maguire, Ian Mearns, Mary Glindon, with North East Chelsea Pensioner William Knowles.Grahame Morris, Alan Campbell, Kevin Maguire, Ian Mearns, Mary Glindon, with North East Chelsea Pensioner William Knowles. (Image: GRAHAME MORRIS MP)

The day will then conclude with the Chelsea Pensioners visiting local nursing homes.

Local Veteran David McKenna will provide a history of our military links, through the 2nd Seaham Artillery Volunteer Corp, HMS Seaham, and our newest association with the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery who were granted freedom of the town in 2022.

Andrew Cammiss, East Durham Veterans Trust CEO said: "We are honoured to welcome the Chelsea Pensioners to lunch with the veterans of East Durham. The Chelsea Pensioners are iconic representatives of our veterans community and I am delighted they have chosen to visit the East Durham Veterans Trust.

"Our region has a strong tradition and deep-rooted affinity with our Armed Forces, and it is a unique privilege to be able to show our level of respect and honour for our veterans community by hosting the Chelsea Pensioners."

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Grahame Morris MP said: "I am honoured to be invited to meet the Chelsea Pensioners during their visit to East Durham Veterans Trust.

"East Durham has always been and remains a strong recruitment area for the armed forces, and we have a significant and active veterans community.

"From the Veterans Trust to our new links with the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, we are immensely proud of our military history, and are active in supporting and honouring our local veterans."