A Norfolk town pays tribute to D-Day with day-long events

The service saw the raising of the Union flag in Dereham's market square and kicked off a day of events in the town to mark the 80th anniversary of the invasion.

Carolyn Coleman, Dereham town councillor, said the dawn ceremony had been "very moving".

The town mayor, Linda Monument, Rev Paul Cubitt, and other Dereham town councillors attended the raising of the flag, which was described as 'moving'. (Image: Dereham Town Council)
"One person present said their uncle had lied about his age and was part of the Normandy landings. Apparently he was only 16," she said.

Another councillor, Harry Clarke, wore his father's uniform under his coat to the ceremony.

"My father was a commanding officer of a navy minesweeper which helped clear mines so that the landings could take place," he said.

The Ellenor Fenn Garden in Dereham was decorated to reflect life during the in the early 1940s. (Image: Alison Webb)
Later, a free event was held at Wrights Walk shopping centre and Ellenor Fenn Garden between 2pm and 9pm, which was hosted by Dereham Aid Centre and Dereham Community Crafters. 

Visitors were treated to tunes from the 1940s during the afternoon event. (Image: Alison Webb)
Visitors experienced songs from the 1940s by Swingtones, a husband and wife band, as well as a recreation of the return of a British soldier from Normandy by historian and author, Neil Storey. 

A silent vigil for peace at Saint Nicholas Church closed the day's events at 9pm.

Neil Storey was seen telling the story of a soldier returning from the beaches of Normandy. (Image: Alison Webb)