Legion thanks D Day flag messagers

The Royal British Legion has thanked the more than 20,000 people who took part in a recent D-Day anniversary activity involving messages to World War Two heroes.

Earlier this month it was the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Normandy Landings, a key event in the Second World War.

The Legion has been commemorating the event, and one activity was to ask supporters to put a message to the people who took part in Operation Overlord  during June 1944 onto a flag.

It has thanked those who returned these flags, particularly the people who sent in donations as well.

These will help service people, whether they serve currently or have done in the past, receive the Legion's services, it says.

The charity received more than 20,000 flags with messages on, and these were placed in sand at Asnelles.

It comes after the charity launched its summer Poppy Picnic campaign with actress Kym Marsh from Coronation Street.

She's helping to get people to hold Poppy Picnic events this summer, with the main day the campaign is focused on being June 21st.

The idea is that this will help bring in donations for the Legion. The actress launched the initiative last month, with the help of The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment soldiers.

Iceland is providing free packs for people wanting to hold Poppy Picnics, and it's possible to order these online, too.

"A Poppy Picnic is a fun and easy way to support the Legion's valuable work whilst enjoying time with friends and family. Pick up a free Poppy Picnic pack in your local Iceland store and get planning!" commented Charles Byrne, Legion director of fundraising.

There are a wide range of service charities in the UK, which also include Combat Stress, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and Help for Heroes.