THOUSANDS of poppy petals will float down above a North-East seaside resort in memory of Britain's war dead.

Synonymous with Remembrance days, the poppies will be released from a biplane as it flies low over the cenotaph at Redcar, east Cleveland.

Acting on behalf of the area's ex-service associations, the Redcar branch of the Royal British Legion has organised a parade and Service of Remembrance to commemorate VE and VJ Day on July 10.

A large turnout is expected, with about 18 regimental banners taking pride of place along with D-Day veterans and veterans from Monty's Desert Rats.

Many of the former soldiers are expected to ride in the back of lovingly preserved military vehicles.

The parade will begin when an RAF Sea King helicopter hovers on the seafront, the pilot dipping the aircraft's nose in salute at the assembled banners, which will be lowered in reply.

A poem will be read during the service by Alf Ward, of the Normandy Veterans' Association, and a lesson will be read by the Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Councillor Ann Higgins.

Dedications will be read by Eric Howden, of the local branch of the Royal British Legion, and Bob Atkinson, of the Burma Star Association.

The parade will include veterans from many associations, vintage military vehicles from the North-East Military Vehicle Trust, members of the Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, Air Training Corps, Scouts and similar groups, RNLI members, members of the Youth Fire Section, Cleveland Fire Service, and children from local schools. Also on parade will be a contingent from the US navy.

Cleveland Police Band will lead the procession.