Stunning memorial held on Rhyl beach to mark 75th D-Day commemorations

A specially commissioned wooden statue has been unveiled on Rhyl beach as a part of a D-Day commemoration service.

To mark 75-years since the D-Day landings, a service was held to honour the sacrifice of millions of troops during the Second World War.

As well as the specially commissioned statue, the outline of hundreds of soldiers were etched into the sand on the beach.

According to the Rhyl branch of the Royal British Legion, two men from Rhyl died on the beach landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944.

D-Day veterans, local schools, the Royal British Legion, and re-enactors all attended the service on Rhyl beach.

75th D-Day commemorations were held both in the UK and France as world leaders gathered to pay their respects.

John Fretwell held by friends and family at the service.

D-Day veteran John Fretwell was at the service held on Rhyl beach, he said he was just "doing a job".

The wooden replica of a British Tommy.

Sculptor Ian Murray created the wooden soldier, he served in the Forces for nine years before taking up sculpting. He said the unveiling of the statue had "made my day, made my year".

He added: "They were the bravest people, really, honestly".

Veteran Ian Murray carved the statue, he said it brought 'a lump to the throat' to see it unveiled.

Watch more from the Rhyl beach service here: