PLANS to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landings in Lyme Regis are taking shape after months of planning.

The weekend of June 6 to 8 has been pencilled in for the events to mark the Normandy beach landings, with organisers hoping the whole town will take part.

An independent committee has been meeting once a month for the past six months to finalise plans and chairman David Manners said: “There have been lots and lots of good ideas coming through and we are now slowly putting the ideas in place.

“We are working with the Marine Theatre to try and put on a variety show on the Saturday, so there are things in the pipeline.

“We have also been working with a lot of local businesses and organisations to try and get everyone in the town involved.

“One lady from the committee is going to do some traditional dress making and some demonstrations, and one of the committee is trying to get as many businesses on Broad Street as involved as possible by showing them what their shops looked like in 1944.

“We will also be heavily involving the schools, and it is vital to involve the youngsters of the town.

“Most of us know about what went on but the tiny ones will not be aware of it yet, so involving them and doing projects at the schools is important.

The jubilee pavilion has been booked for the duration of the weekend and will feature a roll of honour of the residents of Lyme Regis and of the American soldiers who were based in Lyme who died during the war.

Events on Friday will include a 6am sunrise service by The Rev Jane Skinner, a display of period aircraft that are making their way to the Normandy beaches and a ticketed dance in the evening at Woodmead Halls.

On Saturday, war films will be shown in the Regent Cinema and on Sunday there will be a parade by the Royal British Legion and local cadet forces, who will march from Gun Cliff to the shelters. They will also be joined by local veterans and their families.

Mr Manners added: “This weekend is Lyme Regis’ way of saying we remember what happened and remember those who gave their lives.”

For details visit facebook.com/ddaylymeregis