WORLD War II veteran George Heathman is among the people reflecting on those who gave their lives to protect Britain's freedom ahead of Remembrance Sunday this weekend.

Mr Heathman enlisted in the Royal Air Force in February 1939, aged 17, and trained in Canada before being stationed in Malta in December 1940, just as the Germans began to siege to the Mediterranean island, which was a vital naval base for the British and its supply route to Egypt.

He served there until September 1942, when he moved to the North African desert as an air gunner and bomb aimer on a Wellington bomber — including on operations during the famous battle at El Alamein.

He was shot down three times during the conflict.

Okehampton's annual remembrance parade takes place on Sunday at 10.30am, with contingents led by the Royal British Legion marching from the town hall to All Saints Parish Church for the Okehampton War Memorial roll of honour and service of remembrance.

North Tawton's remembrance parade starts in the Square at 10.30am, led by the North Tawton branch of the Royal British Legion and other uniformed organisations.

The parade will make its way into St Peter's Church for a memorial service led by Rev Nick Weldon and Rev Philip Wagstaff.