A beacon will be lit at a North Yorkshire castle as part of national commemorations of the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

The anniversary, on June 6, will see the nation come together to remember the tens of thousands of Allied forces who served in the Second World War operation – the largest amphibious invasion ever seen.

Operation Overlord, D-Day, saw more than 5,000 ships and landing craft set down more than 150,000 troops on five Normandy beaches that would ultimately bring about the liberation of north-west Europe from Nazi occupation.

At 9.15pm on June 6, beacons will be lit around the country, including at Middleham Castle, where residents are welcome to attend.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Middleham Castle, which was one of Richard III's strongholds in North Yorkshire

Councillor Honor Byford, mayor of Middleham, said: “To be able to play even a small part in paying tribute is humbling and a great honour. As an Army veteran myself, I can well imagine how those who embarked on such a major operation into the teeth of a well defended enemy army must have felt.

"It was a daunting undertaking in which every individual must have wondered if they would survive the day, and many did not return. For those who survived and who then fought on through Europe all the way to Berlin, and who liberated the Nazi death camps, many were changed for ever, whether physically, mentally, or both.

"So many soldiers and their families lived and are living with the effects of war for the remaining decades of their lives. Our freedom is bought in blood and treasure, then and now.

“In Middleham, we have raised our bunting and festive lights to commemorate those from this community and beyond who served in the D-Day operations. At 9.15pm we will light a beacon at the top of the ancient keep of Middleham Castle, where soldiers have stood guard over many centuries and whose spirit and memory we honour again on this momentous anniversary. May the peace they fought for be preserved and maintained now and for our children’s children.”