There is a special piece of military history on display in a Cumbria motoring museum.

The Second World War Willys Jeep, treasured for its iconic service during the D-Day landings, is taking pride of place in the Lakeland Motor Museum for this month of WWII remembrance.

This humble jeep took centre stage in the allied effort to free occupied Europe and proved crucial for troops during the Normandy landings of June 1944.

More than 600,000 jeeps were built for military service between 1941 and 1945, offering practicality and versatility to soldiers on the ground.

The Willys MB Jeep, also known as the 'Swiss Army knife' of the allied forces, was one of the first 4x4s in automotive history, designed by companies Willys-Overland and Ford.

Capable of tackling all terrains and weathers and boasting a top speed of 65mph, this wartime workhorse was equipped with a machine gun, two submachine guns and a radio.

Chris Lowe, curator at the Lakeland Motor Museum which houses one of the jeeps, said: "This month we remember and honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom during the Normandy landings.

"We hope our display involving the Willys Jeep will remind people of the monumental effort involved in re-taking occupied France and how brave soldiers relied on these little vehicles to carry them towards eventual victory."

Besides the WWII Jeep, the museum at Backbarrow also has a permanent First World War display, which aids in fundraising for the Royal British Legion.

The collection at the Lakeland Motor Museum, considered unique with 30,000 exhibits including 140 classic cars and motorbikes, has been carefully curated over 50 years.

Not just limited to motor vehicles, the range of rare items covering social history is also one to pique the curiosity of visitors.

Open seven days a week in the Leven Valley, this museum caters to all interests.