(Image: Sunderland City Council)
A growing tribute to military service is set to expand with more than 30 new granite flagstones being added.
Sunderland’s National Veterans’ Walk will honour about 30 more service personnel with work having started on laying the new flagstones at Mowbray Park.
Each 11.3kg granite stone, engraved with the name of a former or serving member of the Armed Forces, forms part of a 50-metre pathway that now includes more than 1,200 tributes from across the UK and as far afield as Australia and Canada.
The walk was launched in November 2016 and is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK.
Tom Cuthbertson, a former paratrooper who helps run the project, is the father of Private Nathan Cuthbertson, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2008.
There are more than 1,200 tribute flagstones at Sunderland's Veterans' Walk (Image: Sunderland City Council)
Mr Cuthbertson said: "The walk is a tribute rather than a memorial.
"It recognises veterans who are still with us as well as those who have sadly passed away.
"We're adding new flagstones this week before our dedication service."
A special dedication will take place at the park from 10.30am on Saturday, October 3.
Rob Deverson, a local businessman supporting the project, said: "The walk continues to grow every year as we add and dedicate new names.
"As we say in our motto - They All Stand Equal.
"This walk is dedicated to all that have served their monarch and country, and this is regardless of rank or when they served."
He said the project is now being replicated in other parts of the UK.
Mr Deverson said: "We are now running similar projects in several other UK locations as the word of the project spreads to other councils and Armed Forces Champions.
"This is a huge tribute to our vision to see all veterans recognised nationally for their commitment and service in supporting the United Kingdom, Commonwealth and all our many allies."
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The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Robert Hutchinson, will attend the dedication service alongside military standard bearers.
Cllr Hutchinson said: "Our city's National Veterans’ Walk is a very special tribute to service personnel and it's a great honour to assist with the latest dedications.
"It is a unique tribute to proud service and is open to all, whether they are serving, have served or have passed away."