A volunteer at the Royal Star and Garter (RSG) veterans' home in Surbiton walked in Normandy to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

RGS Surbiton Home volunteer Rosemary Lever took part in the walk, which was held to commemorate the D-Day (June 6, 1944) — the largest sea-born offensive in history that was start of the Allies' liberation of occupied France from the Nazis during the Second World War.

The walk was organised by the Royal Borough of Kingston War Memorials Association, and retraced the steps of the No. 47 Royal Marine Commandos, who walked 13 miles under enemy fire to help capture the small French port Port-en-Bessin.

Meanwhile, residents and volunteers at the Surbiton veterans' home marked the occasion with two minutes' silence, speeches and other events throughout the week.

Mrs Lever's symbolic walk in Normandy raised money for the 47 Commandos charity.

Her father-in-law Arthur Eric Lever (diary pictured) was in Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) and landed in France about a month after D-Day to support troops and help to build Bailey bridges to enable the advance into Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

The walk began at Asnelles, where British Troops landed on Gold Beach, with a ceremony featuring Royal Marines and including a two-minute’s silence and the playing of the Last Post, Reveille and God Save The Queen.

Speaking on the significance of the walk, Mrs Lever said it was "very special" to walk in Normandy for such an important anniversary.

"To be in Normandy for the 75th Anniversary of D-Day and to have assisted the 47 Commandos charity in retracing their footsteps in 1944 from Asnelles Beach to Port-en-Bessin has been very special, in particular working alongside the Royal Marines.

"It has been heart-warming to see the British so warmly received by a grateful community who value their freedom," she said.

Back in Surbiton, volunteers and residents read out poems to mark the day.