Paratroopers aged in their 90s jumped from Dakota war planes over Normandy this afternoon as they re-enacted the bravery of soldiers who were central to the decisive D-Day landings 75 years ago.

About 280 took part in the jump over the French coast this afternoon, including veterans of landings in World War II. Harry Read, 95, was pictured leaping from the skies and landing in Sannerville in front of crowds of admirers.

Aircraft were pictured taking to the skies in Cambridgeshire, at the Imperial War Museum, before heading to France to commemorate those who died in the fighting on June 6 1944.

Their display brought to life the daring efforts of Allied troops, who secured the first step on the road to defeating the Nazis with the offensive.