D-Day remembered in the North West

Harry Evans was among tens of thousands of soldiers who landed on Sword Beach at Normandy 70 years ago. One week later, he was hit by a sniper.

He describes being 'frightened to death' following the attack by enemy forces. And Harry, now 90, still holds a precious memento from that very day.

Seventy 70 years ago, Allied Forces stormed the beaches of Normandy.

By the end of the day - June the 6th 1944 - they had struck a decisive blow in the Second World War.

Today, veterans from the North West have joined thousands of colleagues from this country and many others, on what will be the last major pilgrimage to the scene of D-Day.

A D-Day veteran who survived being shot, and who still has the bullet to prove it, has said he was 'one of the fortunate ones'.

Harry Evans was just 18 when he was called up to fight, and turned 20 on the eve of the journey which would stay with him for the rest of his life.

A D-Day veteran who survived being shot, and still has the bullet to prove it, has paid tribute to the friends he lost and the ‘luck’ that got him home.

Harry Evans was just 18 when he was called up to fight, and turned 20 on the eve of the journey which would stay with him for the rest of his life.

Now a great-great grandfather, the 90-year-old recalls preparing for the trip to Normandy: "We made jokes amongst ourselves," he says, "but in reality we were all scared to death."

Former Royal Marine Jim Baker from Blackpool has returned to Normandy for the D-Day commemorations, marking 70 years. He was given the distinguished service medal.

Paul Crone went to meet him:

D-Day veterans from across the North West are in Normandy today marking the 70th anniversary of the greatest military invasion in history. More than 650 ex-servicemen are said to have travelled from Britain to commemorate the invasion which changed history.

70 years ago Allied forces landed on the beaches for a battle heralding in the beginning of the end of World War Two. Commemorations have been taking place to remember the thousands of servicemen and women who lost their lives in the operation.

An international ceremony will held be at Sword Beach, the easternmost of the five landing areas for Allied forces on D-Day. Troops from 1st Battalion The Rifles and the Army Air Corps will march across the bridge to Cafe Gondree for a champagne toast and a midnight firework display.