Region's tribute to our forces heroes

THE North East paid respect to the men and women of the Armed Forces on Remembrance Sunday.

- DAVID HUNTLEY

Veterans and dignitaries pay their respects during the Remembrance Sunday parade in Sunderland

Crowds gathered across the region this morning, with special services taking place in Newcastle, Sunderland and South Tyneside.

In Sunderland, many gathered at the War Memorial in Burdon Road, with those in South Shields gathering at Westoe Cenotaph.

The parade on Wearside was led by personnel from 3rd Battalion The Rifles, who have the Freedom of the City, accompanied by the British Army Band Catterick and Bearpark and Esh Colliery Band.

As in previous years, two field guns from 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, who also have the Freedom of the City, were fired from the terrace in Mowbray Park to signal the start of the two-minute silence at 11am. This was followed by the annual wreath laying around the war memorial and on the memorial wall.