THE Llanidloes community gathered together to plant a special commemorative oak tree to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

The oldest member of the Royal British Legion Llanidloes Women’s Section (RBLWS) Chris Powers, 97, unveiled a bronze plaque placed by the oak sapling during a service at the top of Great Oak Street.

The plaque’s inscription “Hearts of oak have our men” is a reference to the official march of the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom.

A two minute silence was held during the service that was attended by Mayor of Llanidloes Cllr Janet Crisp, the Rev Linda Cowan, ex-serviceman Paul Jones and RBLWS members.

Paul Jones, from Llanwnog, said it had been “a fitting tribute in memory of the brave men who went ashore”.

RBLWS thank Phil Stallard for donating the sapling and Garfield Evans for the floral tribute.

Trudy Davies, standard bearer, said: “The Memorial Oak tree will be a reminder to all who pass what a great sacrifice those men and boys who gave and endured for the peace and freedom which we live in now.”