SIXTY years on from D-Day, crowds lined the centre of Okehampton on Sunday afternoon to recognise the tremendous sacrifices made at that time, as veterans of the Second World War marched through the town.

Among those parading from outside St James Chapel, along Fore Street and down Market Street to Red Lion Yard, was a handful of veterans who actually took part in the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944.

The marchers, including veterans, Royal British Legion members and young people in the Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps were applauded along the route by a large number of spectators.

The proud D-Day veterans, now in their late seventies and eighties were ensured a day to remember with glorious sunshine and warmth and appreciation from those spectating.

Following the parade, a religious service was held in Red Lion Yard by the Rev Stephen Cook.

The vicar paid tribute to the courage of the Normandy veterans: ?What has struck me is that it was a time when young people were called upon to do extraordinary things.

?The fact ordinary people found it in themselves to do such things should increase our faith in human nature. It is amazing what human beings can do when called upon by circumstances,? he said.

The culmination of the service was the unveiling of a special commemorative plaque by Brigadier R A P Cary, Commander of 43 (Wessex) Brigade, who said he believed the plaque was a ?fitting tribute? to all those involved in the auspicious day.

Nostalgic music from the 1940s was played during a tea dance for veterans and their family and friends, organised by the Okehampton branch of the Royal British Legion in the Charter Hall following the service.

A raffle held during the tea dance raised £184 for BBC Radio Devon?s Chestnut Appeal.

l ST MICHAEL?S Church at Chagford was packed on Sunday morning for the Chagford branch of the Royal British Legion?s own D-Day commemoration service.

Flags of all the countries which took part in the Allied campaign had been flying from the church tower in the days leading up to June 6. For the thanksgiving service itself, the flags were draped inside the church, around the ringers? belfry.

During the service, a member of the Brownies gave posies to those D-Day veterans attending, and Winston Churchill?s favourite hymn ?Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord? was sung.

Chagford branch members have recently returned from Scarborough where they attended a national conference of clubs at which they were awarded the Cameron-Webb efficiency cup for Devon and the Lister Cup for most efficient branch in the country.

Members of both branches attended the Bath and Wells showground on the previous day (Saturday, June 5) to take part in a parade with their branch standards in the main arena.