Cumbria have commemorated the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, with a special tribute on board one of Windermere’s historic cruise vessels.

This tribute took place on Wednesday, June 5, a day before the day before the anniversary of D-Day.

It began at 8am in the morning, featuring a lone piper playing on the deck of Windermere Lake Cruises’ historic boat, MV Teal.

This poignant performance was in honour of Bill Millin, the brave piper who famously played tunes on Sword Beach on D-Day in 1944, boosting the morale of the Allied troops.

The bagpipe tribute is part of a series of 10 performances, organised by Cumbria Freemasons with the Royal Pageant Master of Buckingham Palace, part of a schedule that started 80 days ahead of D-Day's anniversary.

The Mail: Piper Richard Cowie plays his D-Day tribute on the deck of Windermere Lake Cruises' vessel MV Teal

Bill Bewley, chairman of Winander Leisure, and head of Cumbria Freemasons, was full of praise for this unusual commemoration.

Mr Bewley said: "This was a very special, poignant event and a very important one too.

"D-Day was a defining moment in our history and its only right we commemorate it and remember all those who took part.

"Windermere Lake Cruises has been honoured to be involved."

Richard Cowie, a member of Cumbria Freemasons, performed the touching song 'Highland Laddie' and will complete his performances on Thursday, June 6, D-Day.

Mr Millin boldly contravened the British military’s prohibition on pipers at the front and in his Cameron tartan kilt walked along Sword Beach.

German soldiers later admitted they were reluctant to target him.

The final bagpipe tribute will take place on June 6 at 8am at Kendal Rugby Club.

Later that day, an event will also take place at the club at 5.30pm, celebrating the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

The event will feature a commemorative parade, military vehicles, the Burneside Brass band, and a period singer, with all proceeds going to Armed Forces charities.