Kate Adie unveils new section of Sunderland's National Veterans' Walk

By Kris Jepson

Former war correspondent, Kate Adie, has unveiled a new section of Sunderland's National Veterans' Walk in Mowbray Park.

The journalist, who was brought up in Sunderland, told ITV News "this is Sunderland doing something very special. I don't know any town, city or village that does anything like this. It's one of the great memorials nationally... Sunderland can be very proud".

Watch @krisjepson's report here:

Some 53 granite stones have been laid, taking the the total number of stones on the Walk to more than 400. The founders of the path say there is room for up to 2,000 stones, which sport the engravings of former military personnel. Another phase of the path will be laid in November.

Kate Adie said this memorial is "unique", because it does not just focus on the servicemen and women who lost their lives, but is inclusive of all former military men and women.

The National Veterans' Walk was first unveiled in November 2016, when the the first granite stones were laid in Mowbray Park in Sunderland to honour all personnel who have served their country in any way.

The project is run by the family of Private Nathan Cuthbertson who was killed in Afghanistan in 2008. They founded the Brothers In Arms charity that also funded the Memorial Wall in the park.

Pte Cuthbertson's father, Thomas Cuthbertson, told ITV News he is very proud to celebrate the lives of British service personnel.

One veteran who served in the Royal Navy between 1970 and 1979 is former Leading Control Electrical Mechanic (LCEM), Stan Carr.

He told ITV News that the stone unveiled in to commemorate his service came as a complete shock.