The Chelsea Pensioners visited the North East this week in a visit which has been described as an "honour" - take a look at our gallery of the day.

Arguably the UK's most recognisable veterans, the Chelsea Pensioners paid a visit to Seaham this week (April 3) to perform at East Durham Veterans Trust and take a tour of the town.

Pictures of the day showed a group of the veterans, dressed in their iconic scarlet coat and black shako cap at Dawdon Youth and Community Centre where they were welcomed by eager attendees.

Whilst in Seaham, the veterans visited Seaham Seafront to see Ray Lonsdale's WW1 Tommy statue and the newly installed Artillery Field Gun.

They also spoke with local veteran David McKenna who provided a history of Seaham's military links, through the 2nd Seaham Artillery Volunteer Corp, HMS Seaham, and 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."

Here are some pictures from the event.

The Northern Echo: The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham.The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The Northern Echo: The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham.The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The Northern Echo: The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham.The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The Northern Echo: The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham.The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The Northern Echo: The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham.The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The Northern Echo: The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham.The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The Northern Echo: The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham.The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The Northern Echo: The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham.The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The Northern Echo: The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham.The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The Northern Echo: The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham.The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The Northern Echo: The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham.The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The Northern Echo: The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham.The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)


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The Northern Echo: The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham.The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The Northern Echo: The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham.The Chelsea Pensioners visit East Durham Veterans Trust in Seaham. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)