Events took place across the UK and in France today to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings on 6 June 1944.

Known as D-Day, this historic operation saw the Allied Forces mount a large-scale invasion of Nazi-occupied France that ultimately changed the course of the Second World War.

This year, I was honoured to act as Master of Ceremonies at a local event on Robinswood Hill. In a quiet and reflective moment as the sun was setting, the beacon was lit along with dozens of others around the country, and Dr Tim Brain described The Glosters advance from Gold Beach, Normandy.

The event was attended by more than a hundred people including the Mayor of Gloucester, Councillor Lorraine Campbell, the Sheriff of Gloucester, Pam Tracey, members of the Royal British Legion and local scouts.