PLANS for Hexham's first Peace Walk are being finalised to accompany events marking Remembrance Sunday.

Hexham Town Council is finalising plans featuring a Peace Walk, coordinated with Hexham's twin towns of Noyon and Metzingen, and organised with Hexham Town Twinning Committee Churches Together in Hexham.

Arrangements have been overseen by a sub-committee chaired by Councillor Lee Williscroft-Ferris.

Events will take place on Saturday, November 12 and Sunday 13, with poppies laid on graves of servicemen and women buried at Hexham Cemetery and a wreath-laying ceremony at Hexham General Hospital on Saturday.

The walk demonstrates Hexham's unity with people in its twin towns and the local Ukrainian community in showing support for peace, remembering those caught in global conflict.

The walk starts at 2pm on Saturday in the Sele, lasting for over an hour to visit several of Hexham's significant places.

Ending around 3.30pm, walkers can join the end of the annual peace vigil at St Mary's Catholic Church.

Sunday sees a traditional parade at the cenotaph at 10.40am.

Derek Kennedy will address those gathered and for the first time, pay respect to those with local links who died while serving their country.

Cllr Lee Williscroft-Ferris, Chair of the Remembrance Events Sub-Committee, said: "This year's remembrance events build on the immense success of last year.

"As we again face war on our continent, it is understandable that many will also want to take part in the peace walk, making a public statement about the need for the peace our forebears fought and died for.

"I am immensely grateful to the work of the sub-committee on this year's events, which are rightly held in such high regard by the community."

Suzanne Fairless-Aitken, Cllr for Hexham East, said: "I am so pleased with the diversity and inclusivity of this year's Rememberance events organised by our Town Council, with help of the wonderful Cathy Booth.

"The white poppy has been around as long as the red poppy, evolving out of the 1920s womens' movement following World War One.

"Set alongside the traditional red poppy, it adds another angle on events.

"Come to the bandstand for a stroll, followed by tea and biscuits at St Mary's church hall," she said.