Yesterday marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Across the district events drew to a close with the lighting of beacons after a day filled with exhibitions, fish and chips and performances of the Last Post. Below are some photos from a day of reflection.

Knaresborough

Celebrations began at the Market Cross at 8am when town crier Mark Hunter delivered the D-Day proclamation. In the evening crowds in the grounds of Knaresborough Castle were entertained by a 1940s singer and Knaresborough Silver Band, followed by a short service of remembrance and the lighting of the beacon. 

Ripon

Jack Churchill, the great-grandson of Sir Winston Churchill, attended Ripon Cathedral and lit Ripon's D-Day 80th anniversary beacon. Soldiers from 21 Engineer Regiment of the Royal Engineers, based at Claro Barracks in the city, formed a guard of honour to greet civic dignitaries and other attendees. The knitted life-size replica Churchill AVRE tank also stood on the cathedral forecourt.

Masham

Locals enjoyed fish and chips and a tot of rum at the D-Day exhibition at St Mary's Church. The exhibition contained old photos, diary entries and a former veteran's medals were displayed throughout the church. A model version of the battle was also displayed, which was partly painted by the children of the church choir.

Pateley Bridge

The flag was raised at the war memorial at Pateley Bridge Recreation Ground at 9am on Thursday morning, in the evening the bells rung out in commemoration at St Cuthbert's Church. A beacon was lit at 9pm yesterday evening at Coldstones Cut on Greenhow Hill above Pateley Bridge. About 40 people made it up to the viewing platform overlooking Coldstones quarry, including Graham Spooner, of Bewerley Parish Council, which organised the event. The beacon, 420 metres above sea level, was provided by Hanson Aggregates, which owns and runs the quarry.

Harrogate

Around 50 people attended the short service conducted by the Royal British Legion at the War Memorial in the town centre. The flag was lowered at 11am for a two-minute silence, although there was no Last Post, as the bugler was ill.

Spofforth

An event was held in Long Memorial Hall providing the community with entertainment and a fish and chip supper. The last post was played and the beacon was lit at 9.15pm in the castle field. 

Pannal

Pannal and Burn Bridge celebrated with a beacon lighting at St. Robert's Church. The beacon was lit by local historian Anne Smith and Arthur Lloyd, a Year 6 pupil, at Pannal Primary School. 

Hampsthwaite 

Hampsthwaite History Group hosted an exhibition at the Memorial Hall. There was a minute's silence at 4pm in Hampsthwaite church gardens, followed by bell-ringing. The history group also organised a licensed bar and showed the film Churchill.