THOUSANDS of residents paid their respects to fallen comrades at a D-Day commemoration in Christchurch.

Christchurch held its annual beacon lighting and torchlight vigil to pay tribute to World War Two veterans. 

The talented Christchurch branch of the Royal British Legion also performed the Last Post while visitors emotionally reflected about the event.

Throughout the evening, guests were treated to performances including vintage duo The Fifinellas and the Funky Little Choir, in the atmosphere of a relaxed harbour filled with food and drinks trucks, free face painting, fun fair rides, free caricatures and more.

(Image: Christchurch Town Council)

The deputy mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Vivienne Charrett, also attended to give heartfelt thanks to a 102-year-old Chelsea pensioner John Morris, a war veteran who served his country.

Cllr Charrett said: “What a wonderful evening down on Christchurch Quay for the D Day:80 celebrations.

“A large crowd of people came to join us and the field was buzzing all evening.

“I was particularly delighted to meet John "the cat" Morris, a 102-year-old veteran who served all through the war and later in the Territorial Army.

“It was very kind of him to make the journey down to join us on this special day and to represent all the people who did not return or are not still alive to tell the tales.”

Cllr Sandra Prudom said: “It was a really good evening with a lovely atmosphere, despite the solemnity of the occasion which was also respectfully acknowledged.

“Everyone who came into the history hub complimented us on the impressive displays and how well-organised everything was - which was due to all the hard work of our Town Council comms lead and officers.”

(Image: Christchurch Town Council)

Sarah Roberts, Girlguiding Twynham division commissioner, said: “Being able to share part of our story was an amazing experience.

“So many memories were shared of people's time spent with Girlguiding and the delight on the faces of two ladies when they saw their mum in a photograph of the 3rd Christchurch Guides with the Christchurch Home Guard in 1940.”

After the beacon was lit to light up the dark sky, the event drew to a close marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings on June 6.