SECOND World War veterans who risked their lives during the Normandy landings gathered together yesterday to mark the end of an organisation that provided 30 years of support and friendship.

During the emotional ceremony in Newton Aycliffe , members of the Durham branch of the Normandy Veterans lowered their standard for final time before handing it to Mayor Val Raw for safekeeping.

The group, which has members from across the North-East, disbanded because of dwindling numbers and the age of members.

However, the ceremony at Great Aycliffe Town Council offices was a lively affair, with veterans and their relatives tucking into a buffet and sharing stories of their experiences of the D-Day invasion in June 1944 and the campaign that followed.

Secretary Tom Robson, 87, said: “It has been going for 30 years and was one of the first branches to be founded in the association.

The first anniversary service we attended was the 40th anniversary of the landings.

“The comradeship that exists within the group is marvellous.”

Standard bearer Wilf Coates, from Darlington, said it had been an emotional day, and added: “It has been good to see old friends.”

Mr Coates was among the first Allied troops to land in France after parachuting from a plane during the early hours of June 6 and landing near the famous Pegasus Bridge.

Also present were associate members Mary Dalton and her son, Michael. Mrs Dalton’s late husband, Reginald, who died two years ago, joined the branch in 1984 and served as secretary for six years.

After landing in Normandy with the first wave of troops, Mr Dalton went on to liberate Mrs Dalton’s home village near Eindhoven, in the Netherlands.

She said: “I met him on October 8, 1944, and we were married 62 years.

“The veterans group meant the world to him. It meant he could meet up with people who had been through the same thing.”

The standard will now go on display in Great Aycliffe Town Council’s offices.

In the early 1980s, the council gave £500 to help pay for the standard.