21 photos as Mid and East Antrim marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day

Events were held in Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne to mark the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings.

A civic service and wreath laying took place at Larne War Memorial Gardens highlighting the role Larne and her seafarers played in the historic operation. There was also a concert at McNeill Theatre with Magheramorne Silver Band, Zolene and the ALS Band and piper Trevor Hassin (whose father landed at Normandy) all taking part. This was followed by a procession to Chaine Memorial Road for the lighting of a beacon.

In Ballymena, there was a concert in the Atrium of the Braid with Kellswater Flute Band, the Swing Gals and piper Lee Hanna - followed by the lighting of the Normandy 80 beacon by the Mayor, Alderman Beth Adger MBE.

At Carrick Town Hall, a concert featured Third Carrick Old Boys Silver Band, singer Lisa Dawson and piper John Fittis, followed by a walk to the Normandy 80 beacon at the war memorial.

Meanwhile, in Ballycarry - birthplace of one of the planners of the Landings, General Sir James Stuart Steele, who was also the man who signed the Mobilization Order which took the nation to war in 1939 – commemorations took place on June 5 with the village primary school, community groups and the general public all taking part.

‘Paddy the Pigeon’, who was born and trained in Carnlough and loaned to the RAF during the war, was remembered at Carnlough Harbour. Paddy was the first pigeon to bring back a message to an RAF base in England following the landings and he was awarded the Dickin Medal - the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.