The 80th anniversary of D-Day (June 6) is to be commemorated through prayer and various services across the Diocese of Carlisle.

A prayer, prepared by the Ven Stewart Fyfe, the Archdeacon of West Cumberland, is being offered for use at these services.

The Rt Rev Rob-Saner Haigh, acting Bishop of Carlisle said: "The courage and bravery shown by all those veterans who fought for our freedom is immeasurable.

"We owe each and every one of them our deepest thanks and recognise that so many paid the ultimate sacrifice in order that we might live free.

"My prayers are with all those who fought for our freedom, and I also remember in prayer and gratitude those veterans who have been able to travel to France to remember fallen comrades."

Included in the many memorial events, Carlisle Cathedral is holding a Choral Evensong at 5.45pm today (June 6), ended by bell ringing as part of a nationwide 'Ring out for Peace' initiative.

The High Sheriff of Cumbria, Christopher Holmes, will light a beacon at Cotehill Village Hall at 9pm.

In Keswick, churches are leading an Act of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at 9pm before a beacon light-up at 9.15pm.

Wigton’s community will also take part, as St Mary’s Wigton hosts an Evensong at 6.30pm on June 9, led by the Rev Phil Jackson, chaplain to the Wigton branch of the British Legion.

A Flag of Peace will be flown from the Moot Hall in Brampton for a week, and an International Tribute will be read by two members of the Brampton Detachment Cumbria Army Cadet Force at 9.10pm.

The 'Lamp of Peace' will be lit at 9.15pm.

The region-wide commemorations are underpinned by a specially composed prayer which will be read at services.

It reads: "Loving Father, whose son Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, laid down his life that we might be free; We thank you for those who, on D-Day, offered their lives for our freedom.

"We pray today for all who still bear the wounds of war.

"As we honour the fallen, we pray for those who love them in death as in life.

"We ask for the courage to contend today for all that is good, noble and true, And for the grace to live by your words, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be children of God.' Through Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen."

Commemorations have also taken place in Ambleside and Kirkby Lonsdale.