MP Hilary Armstrong presents a badge to Singapore veteran William Crooks, 79, at the ceremony

WAR veterans were presented with badges recognising their contribution to the country last week.

More than 20 service veterans from the Crook area of County Durham were presented with Veterans Badges by former cabinet minister Hilary Armstrong, MP for North-West Durham.

The ceremony, held at the Civic Centre in Crook, was one of a number of events held both regionally and nationally to mark the third National Veterans' Day.

Ms Armstrong had called on former members of the Armed Forces to sign up for the enamelled, engraved and pinned badges, which are decorated with a tri-service, anchor, crossed swords and eagle motif.

Addressing the veterans and families, she said: "Many of us who live in Crook don't get the chance to say thank you and let you know how much we appreciate your contribution, so the Veteran's Badge is an acknowledgement.

"We live in a democratic society because people have been prepared to fight for that and serve for that. Sometimes, some people forget about that and take it for granted."

Ms Armstrong went on to praise the families of those serving in the forces for the role they play and added: "I'm grateful to everybody who publicised this."

The badge can be awarded to anybody who served in the UK Army, Navy or the Royal Air Force between September 1945 and December 1994.

Also handing out the badges were Bob Pendlebury, who has been involved in the Royal British Legion for more than 30 years, and Crook councillor Geoff Mowbray.

"It's great that these people are getting recognition," said Mr Pendlebury. "It makes me very proud."

Coun Mowbray added: "I'm very privileged to be here.

"It's really amazing that there are so many people from this area who have served or are still serving."

William Crooks, 79, who served in Singapore between 1947 and 1950, said: "When I saw it in the paper, I phoned up and I am very pleased to have got the badge."

Other events were held throughout the North-East, including ceremonies in Darlington and Hartlepool, while the Duchess of Cornwall attended a service in Blackpool.

Those receiving badges at the Crook ceremony were: Ian Allchurch, Hunwick; Kenneth Ayre, Stanley Crook; Terry Barwick, Howden-le-Wear; Margaret Cook, Tow Law; Kathleen Cosgrove, Crook; William Crooks, Crook; Lawrence Deuchars, Crook; Alan Emerson, Stanhope; William Fleming, Crook; Jeffrey Foster, Crook; David Glover, St John's Chapel; Robert Heslop, Willington; Isabella Johnson, Crook; Edward Kelly, Crook; William Laws, Crook; Vincent Mellis, Billy Row; William Moore, Crook; Lawrence Norman, Willington; Matthew Pattison Hall, Consett; Keith Robinson, Crook; Harry Rowell, Tow Law; Michael Shield, Wolsingham; David Smithies, Crook; Fred Thompson, Hunwick; Brian Ward, Crook; Adam Young, Tow Law

11:36am Thursday 3rd July 2008

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