War heroes will march alongside serving soldiers, and a two-minute silence will be held as a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for Britain.

Prince Edward and his wife Sophie will be among the guests – making history as the first royals to attend a Remembrance Day service in an English city outside London.

Parade co-organiser Brian Carr, of the North East Ambulance Service, said: "There can be no doubt that the Household Cavalry and the Foot Guards will bring a great sense of occasion to the parade.

Two of the unit's soldiers died in Iraq, while a third – Sunderland-born Tony Carr, the son of Brian Carr, was killed last December while on exercise.

Len Gibson, who served with Sunderland's 125 Anti-Tank Regiment Royal Artillery, said: "We former Gunners are very proud that so many serving members of the Royal Artillery are prepared to join us on this special day.

"It is a day when we remember not only my comrades who died on the Burma-Siam Railway and in the jungles of Burma, but those who gave their all from whatever service, and of course those who still face danger today."

Fire Service staff from around Britain will also attend Sunderland's parade, which has become an unofficial focus for firefighters on Remembrance Sunday.

Indeed, the George Cross was awarded to Mr Fleetham in 1918, after he risked his life to tackle a blaze on board the explosive-laden SS Hornsey.

"The Fire and Rescue Services are very proud to be playing such a positive role in the organisation of this great and poignant occasion in Sunderland.

"Remembrance services show our appreciation of all that was achieved 60 years ago, and indeed highlight our own losses as a service during the Blitz and since."

Sgt McKay won the Victoria Cross during the Falklands War in 1982, after saving the lives of his comrades by attacking the enemy while under fire.

Mrs McKay, who regularly travels from her home in Rotherham to take part in Sunderland's Remembrance Parades, said: "I am delighted that Ian's Platoon from 3 Para' will be on parade to help remember all who did not return from the South Atlantic 23 years ago, and of course from other conflicts before and since. It will be a very moving day."

A 100-strong Rifle Company and 16 buglers from the 2nd Battalion The Light Infantry, a unit with strong ties to Wearside, will also be taking part.

The Battalion continues the traditions of Durham Light Infantry and its history can be traced back to 1758, when Lieutenant Colonel John Lambton, grandfather of the first Earl of Durham, was commanding officer.

Battalion buglers will sound the Last Post during the service, as well as provide an escort for Lillian Wakenshaw, daughter of Adam Wakenshaw VC.

Mr Wakenshaw was the last member of the DLI to win the Victoria Cross. He was killed whilst under bombardment from German artillery in June 1942.

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