A war veteran's return to the Far East to pay tribute to his fallen comrades will be featured on BBC One's Inside Out tonight.

Douglas Wilks, from Witton-le-Wear, County Durham, was reunited with other veterans when he travelled to the Far East to mark the battles of Kohima and Imphal.

The pensioner, whose story was told in The Northern Echo in April, talks candidly to BBC reporters about his experiences in battle 60 years on.

He also reveals a letter which he found on the body of a young Japanese soldier. The letter was written by the boy's mother.

Mr Wilks, 84, and his fellow veterans share emotional reunions and bitter memories of a battle that saw thousands perish. Their mission was to stem the advance of the Japanese army into India.

On his return from his visit, Mr Wilks told The Northern Echo: "It was a very moving experience and brought home how lucky some of us were to return.

"I came away satisfied that those who didn't now have the resting places they deserve, which are well cared for and respected, and it was a great comfort to see them at peace.''

Inside Out goes on air tonight at 7.30pm.

Published: 27/09/2004