YOUNG people paraded to the highest point of the Forest to pay tribute to the men who helped liberate Europe 80 years ago.

The parade by Guides, Brownies, Rainbows, Scouts, Cubs, Army and Police Cadets started on the sports field at Ruardean Hill and finished at the flagpole at Pan Tod Beacon where the D-Day flag was raised.

The AW Parker Drybrook Band led the parade which was part of a commemorative event organised by the Friends of Pan Tod Community Association.

Chairman Peter Roach said: “We are here to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom 80 years ago.

“Eighty years ago as darkness fell, 160,000 soldiers landed on the Normandy beaches, thousands would die.

“Those who survived that night, raised their flags on the beaches and tonight we raise our flag in their honour.”

Two of the youngest participants in the parade were given the honour of carrying the flag to the flagpole where it was raised by Cinderford army cadets Ben McCullough and Archie Howard.

There was also a display of military vehicles by members of the Military Vehicles Trust.

Among them was Jeremy Tobin of Bailey Lane End whose Uncle Len of Broadwell was killed on D-Day.