THOUSANDS of people throughout East Lancashire gathered yesterday to mark the 60th anniversary of D-Day.

Services were held in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale to remember those who fought during the Normandy Landings of June 1944.

In Burnley more than 300 people packed into the Croft Street War Memorial grounds following a procession from the town's bandstand.

Led by surviving Burnley veterans, the service was conducted by Canon Tom Bill, Rector of Burnley St Peter's Parish Church, and attended by council leader Stuart Caddy, Deputy Mayor John Harbour and his wife Gill and Burnley's MP Peter Pike.

Nine-year-old Matthew Whittaker sat with his grandad Robert McCabe, a Royal Aircraftsman, throughout the service.

Matthew, a Holy Trinity Pupil, said: "My grandad always told me tales about the war which I find very interesting.

"He used to tell me about the Germans and the horrible things that happened during the war but I would like to be like my grandad when I get older. He is a hero."

Canon Bill thanked the veterans at the service for their heroics as young men.

He added: "I am sure your hearts are full of strong emotions as you recall the memories. For many of you the war took away your youth and made men of you, whether you were ready or not. There are no winners but there are heroes and you were the lucky ones who came back."

Colne and Nelson's services were held in the morning organised by the Royal British Legion at the two cenotaphs.

In Helmshore, more than 100 Rossendale veterans descended on the war memorial for an emotional service.