THIS summer the nation is commemorating the events of D-day, arguably the beginning of the end of World War Two. 

D-Day was the largest-ever invasion with mass amphibious and airborne landings on the beaches of Normandy, the anniversary will take place on Thursday, June 6. 

As part of the national commemoration, Whitehaven Town Council is holding an event on the evening of June 6 to light a Beacon in St Nicholas Church Grounds and to illuminate the tower.

There will also be a speech by the town mayor and the D-Day exhibition that is being put on in conjunction with members of the army will remain open into the evening.

A spokesperson for Whitehaven Town Council said: "D Day was one of the most remarkable events of a war that engulfed most of the world and we are proud to play a role in marking this anniversary.

"It will be a fitting tribute to all those who took part in the landings and to all who have served their country in uniform since.

Veterans who have served at any point in time are invited to attend the lighting of the Beacon and the exact timings of the event will be released in a few weeks.

The mayor of Whitehaven Chris Hayes said: "I'm really looking forward to it, it's going to be a big event for the town, watch this space. 

"I hope that it will help to bring a lot more people into Whitehaven town centre. 

"We do a ceremony each year in St Nicholas' Gardens that we do every year and it will be bigger and better this year."

D-Day saw many remarkable inventions from floating tanks to the Mulberry Harbour and the latter has evolved to be used time and time again, including the current plans for a portable dock to offload aid to the Gaza Strip.