FORMER servicemen paid tribute to fallen comrades during a ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of the Royal British Legion in County Durham.

Many of the 15 branches in the county, and from the former county boundary from the Tees to the Tyne, plus other ex-service associations, were represented at yesterday's parade and service in Seaham.

About 200 veterans, who had served in various conflicts during the 20th Century, took part, carrying 28 standards in the march past the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Sir Paul Nicholson, Lord Barnard, the legion's county patron, and its president, Colonel GM Mitchell.

Durham Light Infantry war-time Victoria Cross winner Captain Richard Annand took the salute during the parade.

Twenty wreaths were laid at the war memorial on Seaham's North Terrace.

The short ceremony was followed by a service by reverends Graeme Pollock and Les Hood.

The veterans then swapped stories over refreshments at Seaham's Ex-Navy Club.

Legion county chairman Ian Bannister, a former Royal Navy commando, said the event doubled not only as the 75th anniversary celebration for the legion, but also as a local D-Day commemoration as many of the ex-service groups were involved in events in Normandy on June 6.

The legion was formed in 1921 and the County Durham branch was founded eight years later.