A STANDARD bearer from Middlewich has just been on a trip which he says he will never forget.

Neil Edwards, 58, of Alexandra Road, visited Bayeux in France with the Nantwich British Legion and took part in the D-Day ceremonies on June 6.

Mr Edwards, the standard bearer, branch and committee member of the Middlewich British Legion, said: "My father was not there but he was a desert rat and I wanted to go as it would be a one off.

"It was very emotional as most of the veterans there won't see it again. It was out of this world."

The group was staying 100 miles away from Bayeux, as that was the closest it could get due to the volume of people descending on the area for the event.

It had to travel for three hours to get to the ceremonies.

Mr Edwards said: "When we got there security was very tight and we could not get near the Queen.

"When the Queen left and the main ceremony was over we were allowed in to the main area and we carried out our own ceremony."

The group had a parade, a minute's silence, the Last Post and laid wreaths at the memorial to pay their respects.

During the five-day visit the group visited many places including Omar beach and war memorials in Ranville.

Mr Edwards said: "One of the veterans with us was there in Ranville and saw his friend shot and killed next to him.

"We had another ceremony at his graveside and a minute's silence."

While Mr Edwards was in France, his brother Ivan took part in Middlewich British Legion's own small ceremony as assistant standard bearer.

Mr Edwards said: "When I came back it did make me think that it is quite unique that two brothers, one in France and one in Middlewich, would be taking part and in the same role.

"It made the whole thing even more special."

It was such an experience that Mr Edwards said he would like to organise a trip back to France for legion members in May when it is quieter and they can spend more time there.

Mr Edwards added: "It is something I will always remember."

jdriscoll@guardiangrp.co.uk