WAR veterans have handed over their Standards for the final time ahead of the iconic flags becoming part of an exhibition at a local museum.

In an emotional handover ceremony, members of the Scarborough and Ryedale and the North East branches of the British Korean Veterans Association (BKVA) laid up their Standards at Eden Camp to go on display as part of a permanent exhibition telling the story of the 1950-53 Korean War.

A total of 84,000 British and Commonwealth troops were involved in the conflict which saw 2674 wounded, 1078 men die and 1060 taken prisoner.

Museum director at Eden Camp Nick Hill said that following discussions with the Association he felt honoured to have the Standards on display.

He said: "By having the Standards here people will be able to view the exhibit and appreciate and understand what the Standards are and what happened during the Korean War.

"We feel very honoured and we are delighted to be able to give the Standards their final resting place here at the museum."

About 110 people attended the event at the museum on Sunday, April 27 with more than 100 British military veterans visiting who had served in Korea.

David Balmford, Standard bearer for the Scarborough and Ryedale branch and George Shannon, Standard bearer for the North East area paraded the flags for a final time before many of the veterans retired to the Officers Mess and Garrison Cinema bar for lunch.

Nick said: "We had a toast to absent friends and comrades who were lost during the war so it was quite an emotional day for everyone.

"But it was a great success and I have told them that they museums doors are always open and they are welcome to come back at any time."