DUDLEY borough has paid tribute to the service of Britain’s D-Day veterans, on the 80th anniversary of their landings in Normandy.

The Mayor of Dudley laid a commemorative wreath at the cenotaph on Ednam Road, Dudley, today as the borough came together to remember the efforts of the British forces on June 6 1944.

Veterans from across Dudley joined Councillor Hilary Bills and other local dignitaries, with the D-Day anniversary flag raised from the mast on top of the Council House.

Respects paid as D-Day is marked in Dudley boroughRespects paid as D-Day is marked in Dudley borough (Image: Dudley Council)

The building will also be illuminated in red, white and blue this evening to celebrate Britain’s role in D-Day, which began the liberation of France from the Nazis and laid the foundations for the eventual Allied victory in World War II.

Cllr Bills, the Mayor of Dudley, said: “There are a number of services and events taking place in Dudley borough today to mark D-Day.

The Mayor of Dudley - Cllr Hilary Bills - at the cenotaph in DudleyThe Mayor of Dudley - Cllr Hilary Bills - at the cenotaph in Dudley (Image: Dudley Council)

“It was a great honour to lay the memorial wreath at the cenotaph in Dudley town centre this morning, in memory of those who served our country with such distinction on D-Day.

“Sadly, only a few veterans who landed in Normandy 80 years ago are still with us, so it is important to keep their memories alive and to share their stories with the younger generations.”

Dudley Zoo will be lighting a beacon at 9.15pm this evening to coincide with the beacons being lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

The Dudley Poppy Appeal was also due to attend today’s international ceremony in Normandy, where a wreath was due to be laid to represent the borough.