RESIDENTS have gathered for a beacon to be light in a park in Worcester.

People came to Fort Royal Park where a beacon will be lit at 9.15pm tonight (Thursday.)

The event is to mark 80 years since D-day and to commemorate fallen soldiers.

A parade will take place from the Commandry from 8pm. 

John Bremner, who is taking part in the parade, said: " I'm here to respect the fallen soldiers from 80 years ago and all those since.

"I don't want to forget the lads during my service as well.

"I served for six years and did two tours in Northern Ireland so I missed out on all the horrific stuff.

"Having watched all the news this morning, there's lots happening.

"I wish the youth of today know what people have done and the sacrifices they have made."

Following the parade from the commandry, there will be a drum lead service with words from the Lord Lieutenant, the managing director of Worcester City Council, various associations and the interim dean. 

The Lord Lieutenant will light the beacon at 9.15 and there will be a minutes silence. 

Mark Jackson, another veteran, said: "Today has been very emotional.

"I watched the beacon lighting on the BBC yesterday and it was very moving.

"I was in Cathedral Square this morning to remember D-day.

"I've been to Normandy a number of times.

"I was there once in the early morning and it was quite startling.

"My mother's first husband, from Worcester, was there on June 6 and he got shot and died and we found his name at the British memorial.

"Unfortunately I'm not taking part in the march today.

"I'm looking forward to the beacon lighting.

"In previous times there has been a chain so it would be lovely to see a beacon in the Malvern hills linking as well.

"What's important is the bigger picture, the younger generation need to understand, hey need to know which is why education is so important, so that it can never happen again. 

"What is happening in Europe at the moment is quite worrying with the threat of dictators. 

"I recently saw a survey that found that 50% of young people didn't know why D-day happened and that's worrying."