An event to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings is taking place next month in an East Lancashire town.

Whitworth Town Council’s Tourism and Leisure Committee are planning a commemorative afternoon tea on Sunday, June 9, to mark the anniversary

The event will begin at 2pm at The Ashcroft and will include entertainment from national champions Whitworth Vale and Healey Brass Band, a ukulele band and the beautiful voices of Whitworth Community Choir. 

1940s fancy dress is encouraged and a professional photographer will be in attendance to capture the event.

On Thursday, June 6, the Mayor of Whitworth will be raising a commemorative flag marking the anniversary at 9am outside the Town Council office at The Ashcroft.

The Normandy landings - known as D-Day - of June 6, 1944, was the largest seaborne invasion in history, with Allied forces invading during the Second World War.

It began the liberation of France and was the start of the Allied victory on the Western Front.

Whitworth Town Council will also be lighting a beacon on top of Brown Wardle Hill at 9.15pm, simultaneously with other beacons across the United Kingdom as part of the International Tribute. 

Residents are encouraged to look up towards the hill to see the beacon from the town. 

For further information, contact Rachel Hodson, Whitworth Town Clerk on 01706 852018 or email info@whitworth.gov.uk.

Tickets cost £6 per person and are available from whitworth.gov.uk or the Town Council offices.