North East celebrates and remembers veterans on Armed Forces Day

By Kris Jepson

The North East has celebrated and remembered veterans on Armed Forces Day.

Events took place in Newcastle, Sunderland, Hartlepool and Scarborough.

Coinciding with the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the events were particularly poignant.

Veteran James Waddington told ITV News "without the D-Day veterans I don’t think we’d be here today. I mean they gave a lot for a lot of people and, of course, all the heroes are all the dead ones."

Watch @krisjepson's report here:

Hundreds of people lined the streets in Hartlepool to watch veterans parade in the town centre.

A number of veterans who have served in several different conflicts around the world took part in the parade.

Armed Forces Champion of Hartlepool, Cllr Lee Cartwright said "A big thank you to everybody who came out today to support the armed forces. Being ex-servicemen ourselves, that is really what makes a difference."

Following the parade, Hartlepool's National Museum of the Royal Navy hosted a 1940s themed street party.

Munitions woman re-enactor, Claire Hart, said "We come to events like this so we can make people aware of the range of different roles that people took during World War Two, so it is an opportunity to stop and remember events from our past."

In Newcastle's Eldon Square veterans met with reservists to share stories in a much quieter event.

Veteran Bill Patterson said "I think it’s very important so we can support the veterans, not just in the North East but the veterans all around the United Kingdom."

Another veteran, Richard Steel, added "It’s to remember all those who’ve passed on. All the lads who’ve given their service."