VETERANS from across the North-East have begun preparations for one of the largest Remembrance Day parades in the country.

The event in Sunderland, joined by veterans of the Second World War, the Suez, Korea and the Gulf, will mark several important anniversaries this year.

These include the 150th anniversary of the first Victoria Cross awarded to a Durham Light Infantry member at Inkerburn, 90 years since the outbreak of World War One and 60 years since the fateful battle of Normandy.

The inclusion this year of the Band and Bugles of the Light Division was heralded at the DLI Museum yesterday with a visit of veterans, including Colonel Harry Sell, a holder of the OBE and Military Cross for Gallantry and Jim Murray who served with the DLI in Korea.

The Light Division band which exemplifies and continues the traditions of the DLI and other light infantry regiments and will lead this year's Remembrance Parade in Sunderland on Sunday November 14.

Colonel Sell, who last year returned from to the desert battlefields of Libya where he had found an unmarked grave of a fallen comrade, said the private soldier would be at the forefront of his mind at this year's commemorations.

He said: "I saw so many sacrifices by private soldier and the private who has my admiration, because he was the least privileged and had the hardest duties.

"He never shirked any duties given to him. Many of them received no recognition _ nothing.

"And really they are the soul of the British army. People who follow have to understand their importance."

The Band and Bugles of the Light Division will give a grand charity concert in aid of the Royal British Poppy Appeal and the Victoria Cross and George Cross Memorial Appeal at Seaburn Leisure Centre at 7.30pm on Saturday November 13. Tickets are £7.50 or £5 for over 60s and are available from Arthur Lockyear on 0191-373 2035.