'Desert Rats' remembered

The Commonwealth Cemetery at El-Alamein where 7,970 servicemen are buried Credit: Mimi Mann / AP / PA

A memorial service is being held at Mundford in Norfolk to mark the 70th anniversary of the start of the Battle of El Alamein in Egypt.

It is seen as one of the decisive victories for the Allies in World War Two, leading in part to the German surrender in North Africa in May 1943. Thousands died in the battle, which was fought from the 23rd of October to the 4th of November.

The British 7th Armoured Division, based at the Old Munford Camp in Norfolk, were nicknamed the Desert Rats. They fought a series of battles across North Africa including at El Alamein.

Among those at the memorial service today is 94-year-old Len Burritt, who served with the Desert Rats and was at El-Alamein in 1942.