A French city twinned with Darlington has expressed its "deepest gratitude" as it commemorates the 80th anniversary of D-Day. 

Amiens, in northern France, became twins of Darlington back in 1953 alongside Mulheim am Ruhr, in Germany. The two have since share sports events, civic ceremonies, and have introduced hundreds of young people toe new languages and cultures.

And as the UK marks the historic 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in 1944, Amiens is hosting numerous events to remember the fallen. 

There have been several events across the North East to mark eight decades since the successful allied invasion of the beaches of Normandy in World War II in 1944.

The Normandy landings saw 156,000 young men embarked on a monumental journey and played a crucial role in liberating Western Europe from the Nazis.

Stéphanie Dapsance, the head of the European and international office at Amiens Métropole, has penned a letter to Darlington residents expressing the city's "deepest gratitude." 

Here's what Ms Dapsance had to say: 

Dear friends from Darlington,

 

80 years ago, the brave British soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy.  

 

Together with the American and Canadian Allies, and many other Allied countries, they led a decisive action in the liberation of France and Europe.

 

That's why, on this 80th anniversary, we'd like to express our deepest gratitude.  Numerous commemorations are taking place in France to mark this occasion.

 

A rich program of exhibitions, ceremonies and visits is planned in Normandy and throughout France in June 2024, so that we shall never forget the dedication of your nation, your soldiers, your children.

 

As a continuation of our duty to remember, we are proud to be twinned with the British city of Darlington, which enables us to cooperate on various projects and educational exchanges dedicated to the next generations.

 

On behalf of our Mayor Brigitte Fouré, our President Alain Gest, and all the Amiens citizens, please accept on this special Day, our deepest gratitude.

 

Sincerely yours,

Stéphanie Dapsance  

Direction Générale Adjointe Attractivité du Territoire 

Directrice de la Mission des Affaires européennes et internationales 

Head of the European and international Office 

Amiens Métropole 

 

It comes as the town prepares for a series of special commemoration events this evening (June 6), including a special concert from the Darlington-based Royal Signals (Northern) Band. 

The event will be held at St Cuthbert’s Church, with the church bells ringing at 6.30pm to welcome the visitors and mark the start of the event.

The celebrations will also include the reading of a proclamation by Deputy Lieutenant of County Durham Peter Barron, and the Mayor of Darlington Councillor Bob Donoghue will light a special lamp light of peace representing the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the darkness of war.

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The event - which is free and open to all - will conclude with prayers and the national anthem. 

The Mayor said: “This year marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings and several other momentous battles and turning points of the Second World War, and I’m honoured that one of my first jobs as Mayor is to lead the borough in this act of remembrance which honours those who fought to defend our democratic freedoms and way of life.

“I hope as many people as possible can join us to pay tribute to all our armed forces past and present.”