LOCALS will mark the 80th anniversary of a crucial turning point in the Second World War with a big band charity dance next month.

The event has been organised to honour the heroes who took part in the Normandy landings, also known as D-Day, on June 6 in 1944.

The seaborne invasion of France was a major moment in the fight against Nazi Germany and laid the foundations for the eventual Allied victory on the western front.

To honour the milestone anniversary a group of locals have banded together to give 140 guests a chance to enjoy an evening of dancing and fun at the Tontine Hotel on Saturday June 8, with music provided by popular music group Capitol Big Band.

OTHER NEWS: Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow completes section of warship work

The 17-piece band will be joined by two talented local singers, Heather Whiteford and Paul Rasmussen, as well as piper John McLeod.

Proceeds from the event will be split between Ardgowan Hospice, Erskine Veterans Charity and other armed forces charities.

Greenock Telegraph: The 80th anniversary of D-Day is to be marked in Inverclyde with a special event at the Tontine

Organiser George Byng, who hatched the idea for the event with his friend Chris O’Kane, said he was proud to be paying tribute to those who took part in the decisive invasion.

He added: “There will be 140 guests and the Capitol Big Band, who are a renowned organisation, will be the starts of the show alongside two very renowned musicians.

“Hopefully our guests will come along and have a jolly good time.

“Greenock was very heavily involved in the Second World War in the construction of ships both naval and merchant - the engines, the steering gear and things like torpedoes which my father was involved in building.

“We also had here in Greenock the headquarters of the Free French Navy and the Polish Navy also had ships here, so we’re going to honour them at the event in a very simple way.

“We have to honour these gallant allies, the Polish provided 20 per cent of all the pilots in the Battle of Britain.

“Hundreds of people here will have had family taking part in the Battle of Britain and the D-Day invasion and we hope to get them involved.”

Greenock Telegraph:

Those who wish to come along to the event can buy tickets from the Tontine.

Mr Byng told the Tele that the event would not have been possible without the help of a number of people who had generously given up their time to support it.

He said: “I want to say a thanks to Councillor Graeme Brooks for being extremely helpful, he’s sold many tickets through his connections.

“River Clyde Homes have done a splendid job of marking the event as well.

“My good friend Chris O’Kane has also been very involved in the preparations and without him this would not have been possible to pull off.”

Paul Rasmussen, of Capitol Big Band, says it will be an honour to take part in the celebration.

He said: “We’re very proud to be asked to be part of this, we’ve worked with other bands and done this kind of thing for years, but it’s nice to do something like this in your local area.

“It’s a real pleasure for the band to be involved.

“The band are putting together quite a unique list of songs that are relevant to the time, Glenn Miller stuff and so forth.

“Anyone who likes the classics will be able to come along and enjoy that.”

Greenock Telegraph:

Councillor Graeme Brooks, who is Inverclyde Council’s armed forces champion, added: “As armed forces champion I feel it’s really important for us to celebrate D-Day.

“There’s a number of things the council will be doing but this event will be brilliant for the community.

“I’m happy to support George and do what I can to ensure this happens.

“We have a very proud veterans community in Inverclyde who are looking forward to this.

“I think this is a great opportunity not only for us to get together and celebrate this anniversary but also to be a community here in Inverclyde.”