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D-Day 80th Anniversary: Hundreds pay their respects in Wigan

Cadets and veterans marched through Wigan town centre to mark 80 years since D-Day.

Saturday’s parade started at the cenotaph before making its way past cheering crowds towards Mesnes Park, where they were greeted by the Mayor of Wigan, coun Debbie Parkinson.

All branches of the armed forces were represented, and among the veterans was 99-year old Eric Ratcliffe from Leigh, who took part in the Normandy landings.

Watch the video of Wigan’s 80th anniversary D-Day parade

People then had the chance to enjoy live music and see vintage military vehicles, as the park was transformed into a family fun 1940s day out.

The day ended with the crowd being given a live demonstration of a WW2 era artillery gun.

Picture: Tom Bryden

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