A D-DAY veteran who landed on the beaches of Normandy joined in the commemorations to mark 80 years since the landmark military operation.

People gathered outside Barrow Town Hall in their droves on Thursday to pay respects to fallen soldiers who risked their lives to help change the course of the Second World War.

The event was attended by a D-Day Veteran John Thomson.

The 100-year-old, who served as a paratrooper, is now a resident of Risedale Nursing Home on Abbey Road.

Mayor of Barrow Judith McEwan said: “The icing on the cake was having a veteran of D-Day, who landed on the beach in Normandy, here with us today.

“I’m hopeful these types of events, celebrating people for their sacrifices, don’t die out in the future because it is very important to remember.

“We must never, never forget what these people have done for us, they cannot be praised enough, words can’t express our thanks for their service and sacrifice.”

The crowd was addressed by Cllr McEwan and her husband Councillor Bill McEwan, who was appointed as the Armed Forces Champion for Barrow in 2023.

A minute of silence was held in honour of those who lost their lives.

A short parade of the D-Day flag was carried by members of the British Legion and handed it over to a steward of the Town Hall to be hoisted from the balcony and raised over Barrow.

The celebration included a proclamation by the Town Crier as well as a playing of the bugle and a performance of the song ‘As Time Goes By’ from the romantic film Casablanca which is set during World War II.

Children from six local schools came together and took part in reciting a war-time poem before performing a medley of songs which included ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and ‘The White Cliffs of Dover’.

The choir was made up of students from Chetwynde School, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, St Paul’s Church of England Junior School, Dane Ghyll Community Primary School, St George’s C Of E Primary and Nursery School and Greengate Junior School.

Cllr McEwan added: “It’s been a lovely day and it was great to see all the children involved. It was an absolute privilege and a pleasure to be here and to recognise this event.”

The celebrations have been extended to include Saturday June 8 and will involve live music and entertainment, as well as a parade and a special poem.

Councillor Bill McEwan said: “I’m so pleased to have been a part of this small but lovely ceremony ahead of the full on celebrations that will be held on Saturday.

“It’s an honour to be acting as both consort of Madam Mayor and as Armed Forces Champion.

“It was a lovely surprise to see veteran John Thomson, he’s a true hero. What an amazing man, blew me away.”