It’s 10 years since the unique walkway started to weave its way around the war memorial.

A unique pathway in Sunderland which honours Forces Personnel past and present will honour even more people from this weekend.

Rob Deverson and Tom Cuthbertson at the Veterans' Walk | Submitted

placeholder image — Rob Deverson and Tom Cuthbertson at the Veterans' Walk | Submitted

A dedication ceremony will take place from 10.30am on Saturday, October 3, as more granite stones are laid at the Veterans’ Walk in Mowbray Park - and all are welcome to attend.

Now in its 10th year, the pathway was the first of its kind, with names added to the stones submitted from across Sunderland and the North East, but also from as far away as Australia, Canada and Germany.

There are now more than 1,200 ‘Tributes to Proud Service' installed and the path is more than 50 metres (150ft) long.

Set up by the family of Private Nathan Cuthbertson, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2008, as well as city businessman Rob Deverson, the walkway was laid with its first stones in 2016 and has since weaved its way around the Brothers in Arms memorial wall.

Some of the engraved flagstones in the path in the Sunderland Veterans' Walk. | Sunderland Echo

Each stone bears the name of a former or serving member of HM Armed Forces, as well as the Merchant Navy, along with their years of service and regimental badge.

The new stones, 30 in total, are being laid now, ready for the dedication on October 3. Stones are laid in phases to minimise disruption in the park.

Tom 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."

Rob 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.

"In addition 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."

Military standard bearers and the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Robert Hutchinson will be in attendance to help lead the dedication.

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. Tom and Rob who organise this project have a very simple motto – They All Stand Equal.

"As annual Remembrance services are approaching, everyone understands how important it is to always share feelings of pride and tribute to our forces personnel both past and present. Our veterans' walk is a very special tribute to all Armed Forces personnel."