AN exhibition to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day has launched in Whitehaven.

The event started in St Nicholas' Gardens in the town centre and will run throughout the week.

Aarron Butterworth, royal engineer regimental majorette 2-6 engineer regiment, who is helping to organise the event, said: "It's not just about recognising D-Day for me, it's about recognising everything that's happened since then, it's the whole package of remembering the actions of D-Day and what lead up to it.

"And of course looking at where we're today and how we've gotten into this position across time in history. If we don't remember the lessons we've learned previously, we will make the same mistakes moving forward."

Part of the exhibition explores the life of Logan Scott-Bowden, who was born in Whitehaven over 100 years ago and became a major general."

During his career, the Major General saw service in Norway, conducted reconnaissance of the D-Day Beaches, and joined the Americans for the D-Day landings. 

Mr Butterworth continued: "One of the big reasons I'm so keen on pushing the story of the local major general as an interest factor for the community is because he was born in Whitehaven.

"His grandfather owned the grand hotel in Whitehaven, and he went on to do some impressive feats through courage and tenacity.

"Ultimately, it reflects how we could still be behaving today. I like the idea that we can revert to those days and get on and get things done when we need to."

Gerard Richardson, who helped put the exhibition together added: "We're holding an exhibition over in St Nicholas' Gardens which will run alongside Aaron Butterworth's display. 

"They are free to walk around with lots of information, and some local information as well. 

"We'd encourage anyone who's got time to come and support the event. 

"On Thursday, June 6, we have the high sheriff and Armed Forces Careers team. 

"I would repeat the call to anyone interested in a career to come down and have a chat with them. 

"They have all the information about full-time careers but also work in the reserves as well."