BLACKBURN Cathedral will host a special Lancashire service on Sunday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy.

It will be led by the Bishop of Blackburn and former Bishop of Burnley the Rt Rev. Philip North starting at 4pm.

He and the Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire Amanda Parker will be joined by civic dignitaries, veterans, representatives from the Royal British Legion and a wide range of organisations involved with the armed forces.

Prior to the service, at the county's premier Church of England place of worship, a parade led by Darwen Brass Band will take place through Blackburn town centre which will involve cadets and scouts from organisations across the county.

A spokesman for the Lancashire Lieutenancy Office said: "The service will honour all members of the armed forces, who fought valiantly, those who lost their lives, families and communities who grieved for the dead, and welcomed back those who returned, with pride, joy and hope for the future, "And those involved discreetly, yet courageously, behind the scenes in intelligence and logistics, in this country and overseas.

"It will be a fitting acknowledgement of bravery, justice and peace."

The D-Day landings, on June 6, 1944, saw Allied forces launch an invasion on the beaches of Normandy, France.

It marked a pivotal turning point in World War Two by initiating the liberation of German-occupied Western Europe.

Those wishing to attend the service can get further details from the Lancashire Lieutenancy Office.