Crowds gather on beach for D-Day reconstruction

D-Day was the largest seaborne invasion in history

As the 80th anniversary of D-Day was commemorated, crowds gathered on a British beach to watch a small scale recreation of the landings.

Fishermen took their vessels out to sea, releasing vivid red flares into the sky as military flags billowed on Redcar beach.

The re-enactment was organised by members of the Royal British Legion and veterans working with Redcar and Cleveland Council.

Hundreds gathered on the seafront to pay tribute to those who died or gave their service to liberate Europe in 1944.

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The flag parade was led by standard bearers and veterans

Flag-bearer Elizabeth Brook used the occasion to remember her father David Bunton.

She said: "My father was a Normandy veteran who didn't speak about the war much, but he did say he was a lucky one and just doing his job."

The crowd watched a poignant performance from a lone piper and a flag parade.

Several fishing boats and military vehicles were involved in staging a war scene.

Fisherman Ken Patterson said: "I was a kid when D-Day happened, but I remember it well."

Elizabeth Brook said her father lived a long life after the war, but did not speak often of his experiences

Councillor Neil Bendelow, mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, said the event was organised to "honour the heroes of the D-Day landings all those years ago".

"Their sacrifice and bravery will never be forgotten," he added.

Military vehicles were displayed along Redcar's seafront