Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day later this month will include a special commemoration to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Ryde and The Solent played a significant part of Operation Overlord, the largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare which became a turning point in the Second World War.

As dawn broke on the morning of June 6, 1944, thousands of Allied warships made their way towards the coast of Northern France.

Ian Dore, Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day organiser, said: "This year we wanted Armed Forces Day to commemorate the commitment made by so many, at the location that overlooks the fair shores where troops were at sea, ready to depart.

“Hence the inclusion of The Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF).

"Sadly, the BBMF is currently grounded but is still booked to display.

“On stage, tipping their hats firmly in that direction though, we have the Vintage Trio who will take you back to yesteryear with songs from the era."

Portsmouth took centre stage yesterday as the focal point for a National Commemoration to remember those who took part in the Normandy landings. 

Hundreds of people gathered on Southsea Common to mark the occasion.

Islander Roy Hayward took to the stage to raucous applause. 

Ian said: "He was the first veteran on stage and the atmosphere rocketed, people hanging on his every word.

“As always, he was truly magnificent with his delivery, humble to the last.

"Roy is a very humble, warm and witty man. A true gent of a bygone era. He doesn’t consider himself to be a hero but like it or not, those present yesterday felt otherwise.

"He’ll tell you he was just doing his job.”

Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day takes place in Ryde on Sunday, June 30.