County Durham marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day with a commemorative event in Barnard Castle - which remembered the lives that were lost and sacrifices made. 

As part of our D-Day 80 event, there was a laying of the wreath at Bowes Museum at 6.30am, while the town crier made a first proclamation at 8am. 

The second proclamation from the town crier was delivered at around 10.30am, which also saw the Barnard Castle School Cadet Force join in.

The town crier in Barnard CastleThe town crier in Barnard Castle (Image: NORTHERN ECH0)

Alongside the commemoration, there was a World War Two army field kitchen located at Woodleigh between 10.30am and 2pm, which involved demonstrations on how they cooked up beef stews for the soldiers.

At lunchtime, the stew was sold off to support SSAFA, the Army charity.

The three people who were involved in cooking and serving up the food were Kevin Darby, Brian Gladstone, and Joshua Robinson, from the 29th Field Kitchen, formed in 1997, who aim to educate people about the Army Catering Corp - which was created in 1941.

(Image: NORTHERN ECH0) The town crier in Barnard CastleThe town crier in Barnard Castle (Image: NORTHERN ECH0) (Image: NORTHERN ECH0) People watch on during the town crier's proclamationPeople watch on during the town crier's proclamation (Image: NORTHERN ECH0) The 29th Field KitchenThe 29th Field Kitchen (Image: NORTHERN ECH0) A member of the 29th Field KitchenA member of the 29th Field Kitchen (Image: NORTHERN ECH0) (Image: NORTHERN ECH0) Army cadetsArmy cadets (Image: NORTHERN ECH0)

Mr Gladstone, who started cooking in 1972, said that the group was a source of teaching people about the Catering Corp, and about the importance of remembering fallen soldiers. 

He said: "We enjoy doing this because it helps people remember the past - we can't forget the soldiers that have died and made the ultimate sacrifice. 

"You worry that the next generation can easily forget the fallen soldiers. We like educating people on the past, and also about educating them on the Catering Corp.

"The number of schoolkids that you speak to and say about homecooked meals, and they don't know what that is - we like showing people that cooking meals like the beef stew we're serving is simple."

Philip and Joy NewboldPhilip and Joy Newbold (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Later in the day, the D-Day 80-year commemorative event saw church bells ring out between 6.30pm and 7.15pm, and music of the 1940s played on Woodleigh grounds at 8pm. 

The memorial event ended with the lighting of the Lamps of Peace around Woodleigh and the International Tribute led by the Town Mayor, followed by a piper's lament.

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A couple who attended the event, Philip and Joy Newbold, arrived in style in a 1930s Austin car - donning their vintage clothes. 

The pair, who usually attend vintage events and rallies across County Durham, said they wanted to attend the D-Day 80 event in Barnard Castle to "pay their respects".

They added that they "wanted people to never forget the soldiers' sacrifices".