FOR the first time in over 80 years Yate Heritage Centre and partners commemorated the 80th Anniversary of D-Day with a new exhibition and tours of the underground First Aid Post (bunker) at the Beko Europe factory on Station Road, Yate.

This marked 83 years since the World War II bombing of the Parnall Aircraft Ltd factory,

Alongside tours of the underground facility, Yate Heritage Centre launched a new exhibition on the 1941 Luftwaffe bombing of Parnall (now Beko), featuring original WWII artefacts including bomb casings, spitfire parts, first aid, firefighting and air raid precaution unit equipment.

Both days included WWII re-enactment performances from the council's creative partners and Saturday had a special visit from the local Scouts who demonstrated what volunteer first aiders would have learned and what treatment would have been given in the First Aid Post.

A council spokesperson said: "More than 110 children and young people from local schools were the first groups to visit the exhibition and bunker, which is in original condition (minus a few safety lighting upgrades).

"On Saturday, June 8, the general public were given guided tours by Yate Town Council’s, Yate Heritage Centre team, who set the scene on life in the First Aid Post leading up to, and during the air raids.

"More than over 200 visitors experienced the exhibition, WWII performances, demonstrations and tours - while commemorating those who protected the factory, and those who lost their lives in the tragic events that unfolded at the factory in February 1941.£

For more information on the events and exhibitions at Yate Heritage Centre, follow them on social media or e-mail at info@yateheritage.co.uk.