Celebrations will mark the end of WWII all over Europe

It will enable veterans to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the war.

Two lottery-funded schemes, Home Front Recall and Heroes Return, are receiving extra money for commemoration trips.

Among the awards is �5,000 for a group in Stockton-on Tees and �4,800 to the Berwick Branch of the Kings Own Scottish Borderers Association.

Big Lottery Fund North East regional officer Emma Snowdon said: "The Home Front Recall and Heroes Return schemes have proved to be exceptionally popular and we are now extending the deadlines for the two programmes to 31 May 2005 and announcing extra funding.

"We are confident that this will give everyone who wants to apply, the opportunity to do so and, more important, ensure that we have the money to fund a much wider range of commemorative activities for people and communities across the UK."

'Tremendous programme'

Heritage Lottery Fund's regional manager for the North East, Keith Bartlett added: "The debt we owe to those who participated in the Second World War effort from all walks of life is immense and one that must never be forgotten.

"I can think of no better way of using Heritage Lottery Fund cash than to help support this tremendous programme.

"It will preserve and honour the memories and bravery of countless men and women from the North East ensuring that their sacrifice is remembered by us and future generations."

Other groups to win cash include the Royal British Legion in Gateshead, which received �1,200; the Neville's Cross and District Over 60's Association in Durham, which gets �2,000 and the Chester-le-Street branch of the Durham Light Infantry Association, which receives �1,490.

Nationally about �20m has been set aside by the Big Lottery Fund as part of its Home Front Recall scheme to celebrate the war effort.