A COUNTY Durham couple with a passion for the 1940s took their Second World War Willys Jeep to France to take part in events to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Bob and Pauline Parkins, from Spennymoor, have returned from France after taking part in the commemorations on Arromanches beach, in Normandy, along with the owners of about 500 other military vehicles, which assembled to watch the sun rise on June 6.

Mr Parkins, who was born the year after D-Day, said: "We both really wanted to be there for the 75th anniversary because the last few veterans were there.

"We took the vehicle onto the beach on D-Day. Thousands of people came down to see it. It was quite emotional.

"We met an American veteran who was sat there with modern day soldiers, in exactly the same spot he landed on D-Day."

The Northern Echo:

About 500 vehicles assembled for the event on Arromanches beach, in Normandy

Mrs Parkins, 72, added: "I think the highlight was seeing the sun come up on Arromanches beach on D-Day and hearing the pipers playing as the soldiers would have been coming onto the beaches.

"It's been a very emotional trip."

The vehicles, which ranged from Second World War era bikes and Jeeps to military tanks, were in place at 5.30am on June 6 and were there for much of the morning, when members of the public visited the beach to look at the vintage machines.

The couple, who also own an old Dodge WC 7 command car, are members of the Durham Tees Valley Military Vehicle Club and spend much of their time travelling to 1940s events and are also involved in doing re-enactments.

The Northern Echo:

Pauline Parkins at the Pegasus Memorial in Normandy, France

Mrs Parkins said: "We were both born in the 1940s so we were brought up in that era.

"We grew up with the dancing and music and friends made during that time. We love it."

They presented a shield given by Spennymoor Town Council to civic dignitaries in Normandy, and were also asked to take an "I love Bishop Auckland" sign, on behalf of the town.

They also visited a number of other sites in the area, including the other beaches where landings took place, Pegasus Bridge and the D-Day inspired garden, which was created for the Chelsea Flower Show and was moved to the Normandy coast.

Mr Parkins added: "The French people had made a great effort to put something on. There were events in every town."