Soldier silhouettes return to Normandy for VE Day

The hand-made silhouettes will stand to commemorate 80 years since the end of World War Two in Europe

An art installation of 1,475 silhouettes of soldiers is making a return visit to Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

The figures made by charity Standing with Giants in Stanton Harcourt, near Witney in Oxfordshire, received a send off at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock.

The charity has also created a series of banners featuring World War Two veterans in their original uniforms.

Founder Dan Barton said that one of the veterans' messages was "celebrate your freedom".

Four articulated lorries with flatbed trailers are transporting the silhouettes across the Channel

The hand-made silhouettes were made from recycled signs and assembled by local community goods.

Last year, the installation was transported to Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

The charity said that following an "overwhelming international response", the silhouettes were returning to be displayed at the British Normandy Memorial near the village of Ver-sur-Mer.

They will stand to commemorate 80 years since the end of World War Two in Europe on 8 May 1945.

Four articulated lorries with flatbed trailers are transporting the silhouettes across the Channel, embarking at Portsmouth Harbour.

The completed installation is due to be available to visit from 12 April until mid-September.

The figures received a send off at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock

As part of this year's project, the charity's volunteers have travelled the country, getting veterans back into replica uniforms that they had hired from film companies.

"They are so grateful that we are telling their story and we want to share their message," he said.

"Their message literally is 'Celebrate your freedom, cherish your freedom'.

"They worked so hard to give us the freedom we enjoy today."

The messages they shared have been written on a series of life-size banners honouring the World War Two veterans and civilians who were part of the VE Day celebrations.

The charity is making banners available for sale for display at schools, libraries and other community venues in order to "make a difference".

"We really want to get this going in [the veterans'] honour," he added.