D-Day beach scene recreated in town centre

The landing craft was made from recycled materials to keep costs down

A town is marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a 3D floral display, complete with landing craft and soldiers.

Huntingdon Town Council has installed a three metre-long (10ft) model of the World War Two craft on Bus Station Green, close to the Pathfinder Link Road junction.

It coincides with the Huntingdon in Bloom campaign.

The town council said the display was a "poignant way to mark the anniversary".

Natasha Pierson from Huntingdon Town Council says the display cost very little, as it is mostly reclaimed materials

Natasha Pierson, assistant clerk at Huntingdon Town Council, added: "Our estates services team work really hard to design and build the installation-all made with recycled materials.

"We try to be sustainable and environmentally friendly, so we can re-use items.

"Town Council funding and some grants from Huntingdon in Bloom paid for this, but the cost was extremely low, as most of the materials have been reclaimed."

The display is part of the Huntingdon in Bloom campaign for this year

Andrew Buddle, of the council's estate services team, designed and built the installation.

"It took me about five hours to construct it," he said.

"It's been sitting in the yard and I could never picture it in situ. I'm really pleased with how it's turned out.

"All I need now is a little Union Flag to put on the top".

Andrew Buddle built the replica and says he "panicked about it being too small"

The display will be officially opened on Thursday at 10:00 BST, followed by a short outdoor service in Huntingdon Market Square.

A wreath laying by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, the Mayor of Huntingdon, and the Royal British Legion will then take place.

Huntingdon Town Council is inviting local residents to assemble at Castle Hills at 21:00, to join in the National Beacon Lighting Ceremony.

The D-Day landings of 6 June 1944 were the largest seaborne invasion in history.

A pivotal turning point in World War Two, it marked the beginning of the liberation of France and western Europe.