More names unveiled on veterans' pathway

A further 32 tribute stones have been unveiled on a pathway marking the contribution of servicemen and women.

The Veterans' Walk project in Mowbray Park, Sunderland, was started 10 years ago by Tom Cuthbertson whose paratrooper son Nathan, 19, was killed in Afghanistan in 2008.

The 11.3kg (25lb) granite flagstones each have the name of a former or serving member of HM Armed Forces, with new stones naming people with connections to the city.

Ahead of a dedication service on Saturday morning, Cuthbertson said the walk was a tribute rather than a memorial, saying: "It recognises veterans who are still with us as well as those who have sadly passed away."

There are more than 1,200 tributes in Mowbray Park and on the path which is more than 150ft (50m) long.

Sunderland businessman Rob Deverson, who supports the project, said they wanted something for everybody who had served including those who "came home safely, sometimes carrying physical wounds, sometimes mental scars".

"We wanted to give everyone the chance to create their own lasting tribute to proud service," Deverson said.

He said the location becomes a "touchstone for them so that they know their service will never be forgotten."

Families or individuals purchase their own stones for £349 and also receive a certificate.

National Veteran's Walk, which has further locations in South Tyneside, North Tyneside and Warrington and Barnsley, said the new stones were part of a "very special phase, with each stone carrying its own personal story".

A number of the new families also chose place a small amount of ashes beneath their names.

Military standard bearers are involved in the dedication ceremony, as well as the Mayor of Sunderland.

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