Sombre events mark D-Day anniversary across region

Crowds came together for a series of sombre commemorations as events were held across north-west England to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Thousands of troops from the region joined the Allied forces as they landed on beaches in Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944 - in one of the most decisive moments of World War Two.

Events held included a parade in Liverpool, a commemoration at Salford civic centre and a ceremony in Bury, where the town's mayor laid a wreath at the Prestwich war memorial.

Before the invasion, US generals finalised their plans for the channel crossing in the upstairs room of a Cheshire pub.

D-Day Veteran Peter Belcher with his medals in front of military flags and drums
D-Day veteran Peter Belcher, now aged 100, took part in a commemoration at Broughton House care home in Salford [PA Media]
Veterans and care home staff at an event
The care home hosted an event with its residents [BBC]
World War Two veteran Peter Davies cuts a ribbon on a new memorial garden with airport staff
World War Two veteran Peter Davies cuts a ribbon on a new memorial garden at Manchester Airport [Manchester Airport]
Two members of Polish Armed Forces at memorial to Polish paratroopers at the memorial garden
Members of the Polish Armed Forces at a memorial to Polish paratroopers at the airport [Manchester Airport]

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