GULF War veterans and families of those who died in the Middle East conflict will take part in Saturday's March of Tears to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Gulf War.

The war resulted in the death of 526 servicemen and women either during the hostilities or as a result of Gulf War related illnesses.

The London gathering is being organised by the Gulf Veteran's Association and The Royal British Legion Gulf War Veterans' Branch. It is expected to attract marchers from throughout Britain for the parade from Westminster Abbey, down Whitehall for a service and wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph.

But ex-soldier Shaun Marsh of Leigh, whose health has deteriorated since he served in the Gulf, will not be taking part. But Gary this week told the Journal he planned to be at next month's veterans get together at Pontins in Blackpool.

RBL Gulf War Veteran's Branch chairman Larry Cammock said: "Our debt of honour will inevitably grow at future commemorations as more Gulf War veterans die. Likewise the Gulf War illnesses issue will grow to reflect the size of the problem.

"Out of over 50,000 members of the UK Armed Forces deployed to the Gulf region over 4,000 Gulf veterans -- almost one in 290 -- have made war pension applications for Gulf related illnesses or disabilities.

"This problem won't go away however much the politicians wish it to."