A BEACON will be lit at the summit of Ingleborough - the second highest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks - as part of commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

On Thursday, June 6, the country will mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when allied forces mounted the largest amphibious invasion the world has ever seen.

In 1944 Operation Overlord saw around 4,000 ships and landing craft set down about 132,500 troops on five Normandy beaches in an action that would bring about the liberation of north-west Europe from Nazi occupation.

Along with many towns and villages in the UK, and Second World War allied countries across the world, Ingleton is staging an evening of events to mark the occasion, and to commemorate the many millions of people who sacrificed their lives during the war.

Ingleton and Clapham cum Newby parish councils, have joined forces for the anniversary events, which are free for all to attend.

The commemoration events will start with a screening at 4.50pm of The Great Escaper at Ingleborough Community Centre, Ingleton. Staring Michael Cain and Glenda Jackson, it tells the story of a war veteran who sneaks out of his care home to attend the 70th anniversary commemorations of the D-Day landings.

At 6.30pm, there will be a ringing of the bells at St Mary's Church; and at 6.50pm, there will be a talk on the history of D-Day by James Gaunt at the community centre.

A proclamation will be made by the town crier at 7pm on Ingleton Main Street; and at 7.30 the Ingleton Song will be performed by Sicknote. At 8pm, the combined churches of Ingleton will carry out short prayers for D-Day on the community centre playing field, which will be followed at 8.30pm with a torch lit relay around the field by local groups.

The beacon on Ingleborough will be lit by members of the Clapham based Cave Rescue Organisation at 9.15pm; and there will be a second beacon in the grounds of the community centre, where refreshments will be on offer from 6.30pm.