VETERANS have come up with a way to honour fallen comrades and support the Poppy Appeal, whilst social distancing.

Stag on in Remembrance will see Seaham Veterans observe a 24-hour vigil from 11am Saturday, November 7 to 11am on Remembrance Sunday at the Terrace Green, Seaham Seafront.

On Stag is army slang for sentry duty and, come rain or shine, veterans will take it in turn to be on watch for an hour each to commemorate the fallen.

Organiser David McKenna came up with the idea to continue Seaham's tradition of unique remembrance activities while meeting social distancing requirements.

He said: "The lead up to Remembrance Sunday 2020 will be very different.

"The restriction in sales of poppies from businesses and shops could severely impact fundraising, affecting the support the Royal British Legion can offer to veterans and their loved ones in the years ahead.

"The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal is iconic, they stand with veterans, and as veterans, we will stand by them in this time of need.

"I hope the community will get behind this year's poppy appeal, and support Stag on in Remembrance. Anyone can donate to the fundraising effort by visiting our Go Fund Me page."

Easington MP Grahame Morris has backed the fundraising effort.

He said: “We are fortunate in Seaham to have such an active veterans' community. Seaham Veterans delivered Operation Flanders during the peak of the covid crisis to get hot meals and food to the vulnerable and elderly in our community. Now with the second wave of the covid crisis, Seaham Veterans will stand in remembrance to raise vital funds for the Royal British Legion Poppy appeal.

"This year’s poppy appeal will be hampered as local lockdowns and social distancing restrictions reduce the number of outlets selling poppies to the public.

"I hope ‘Stag on in Remembrance’ will capture the public imagination and show that even in these difficult times, we will remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Donate at gofundme.com/f/stag-on-in-remembrance