Relatives of Ashfield’s D-Day veterans are being invited to a service of commemoration marking the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings during the second world war.

On 6th June, 1944, Allied forces mounted a large amphibious operation to begin the liberation of Nazi-occupied Europe.

More than 132,000 troops, transported across the English Channel by 4,000 ships, landed on five beaches in France.

Operation Overlord was the start of 10 months of bitter fighting between Allied and German forces, which ended with the surrender of the Nazi regime in May 1945.

Now, 80 years later, events to mark the historic day are being held across the country and Ashfield District Council wants to ensure relatives of local veterans are given the opportunity to come together and pay tribute.

Ahead of the anniversary the council wants to hear from relatives of any D-Day veterans, either alive or sadly no longer with us.

Chairman Coun Dale Grounds said: “The D-Day landings are one of the most significant events of the 20th Century.

“Without the bravery and sacrifice of so many Allied soldiers, the Europe and world we live in today would look so very different.

“It is right we remember and honour all those who took part in the liberation of Europe from the Nazis, especially those who came from Ashfield.”

The service is being planned for Thursday, 6th June and more details will be released nearer the time.

Relatives of D-Day veterans are asked to emailing [email protected] to register interest in attending the event. People are also invited to send in photographs and details of their loved ones, which could be used at the event.