MEMBERS of a local branch of the Royal British Legion made a poignant trip to the Normandy beaches to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

Members of the Bramley & Sherfield branch visited France by ferry for a three-day tour of the region.

During the trip, they visited the British sector taking in Pegasus Bridge, Gold Beach, Juno Beach, Arromanches and more – all key sites on D-Day when allied troops stormed occupied France in a vital military operation which marked a turning point in World War II.

The RBL members also visited the American sector and travelled to see the US cemetery above Omaha beach, where 9,600 American servicemen are buried.

On the final day of the tour, the group travelled to the town of Bayeux to take in the Bayeux Tapestry and its cathedral, before laying a wreath at the Commonwealth War Graves cemetery.

The group was led by branch vice-president Rhydian Vaughan, who is also a member of the Guild of Battlefield Guides.

John Ferguson, president of the branch, said: “This was a splendid tour, friendly – enjoyable and so moving given the proximity of the 70th anniversary. I was fascinated.”