Balloons honour fallen.

LAST week families who lost loved ones during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan released white balloons in their memory at St James' Park.

Each balloon carried the words Honouring the Fallen and a card naming the servicemen and women who died.

A total of 470 balloons were released at the event, organised by support group SSAFA Forces Help.

The group, run by the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, helps bereaved families.

Roger Bacon, who lost his son Major Matthew Bacon in 2005 when a roadside bomb went off, is chairman of the group. He says: "Following a balloon release last year we felt it was appropriate to do another in the week leading up to Remembrance Sunday.

"As families who have lost loved ones in Iraq, Afghanistan and other military situations it is very important for us to remember them all at this time of the year." For more information visit www.ssafa.org.uk or call 0845 1300 975.

Elsie Manning, North representative for the Military Families Support Group, says helping others has helped her come to cope with her own grief. For more information visit www.mfsg.org.uk

CAPTION(S):

DIAMOND GEEZER - Sharron with her Army Air Corps pals, who gave her the affectionate nickname REMEMBERED - Sharron's mum had been watching Poppy Day parades on TV when she got news of her death