Organisers of the Durham Tattoo, which will feature breathtaking battle re-enactments and pyrotechnics, say the "huge military spectacular" at Palace Green will be a sell-out, with only a few tickets remaining.

Involving soldiers, Army cadets, military bandsmen and veterans, it will include historical re-enactments, choreographed battle scenes and musical performances.

Tattoo director Major Eric Ingram told the Echo: "The preparations are going very well indeed and we're expecting a sell-out for the evening event.

"We're currently putting the finishing touches to a few of the displays, but everything else is pretty much taken care of."

The Reserve Force and Cadet Association for the North of England is staging the event on Saturday, when it will pay tribute to past and present TA soldiers.

Hundreds of local TA members, Army cadets, military bandsmen, veterans and historical re-enactors will bring 100 years of history to life during the tattoo.

Amid explosions and the noise of military vehicles, the audience will see scenes re-enacted from the First World War to the present day, where TA soldiers from the North East serve alongside their regular counterparts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The main event will be a demonstration of the TA in action in the 21st century, played out by serving territorials who have been on an operational tours of Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans.

Maj Ingram added: "We're hoping to put on a really good display.

"We've put a lot of work into the show and tried to involve as many different groups as possible. There should be something for everyone."

Tickets for the tattoo on Saturday, which takes place at 2.30pm and 8.15pm, are available from Durham Tourist Information Centre or on 0191 384 7641.