A large group of people held their own D-Day celebrations at a popular cafe after the council failed to arrange a service in the town.

Residents in Gravesend were left 'disgusted' after finding out their were no plans to commemorate the 160,000 men who waded ashore on the beaches of northern France as liberation of Europe from the Nazis began, 75 years ago.

The disappointment led to a group of around 50 people to meet at Nell's Cafe, by Marling Cross, Watling St, Gravesend, just off the A2.

Among the visitors were former mayors Mick Wenban and Harold Craske, as well as Gravesham councillor Shane Mochrie-Cox (Lab).

Mr Craske made a reading as three flags were raised outside the cafe to remember those who put their lives at risk, and those who died on June 6 1944.

Snapper Jason Arthur who was at the event recalled that coincidentally at the time people were stood outside paying their respects, a day after 34 war-time Dakota planes took to the sky over Kent, an old spitfire plane flew above them.

Similarly, a smaller group of residents gathered in Gravesend's High Street, outside the Forget-Me-Not-Vintage crafts shop.

They enjoyed some fresh sandwiches, cake and tea while they relaxed and celebrated D-Day.

Gravesham council explained earlier this week that "no request was received" that a service held for the 75th anniversary.

David Hughes, chief executive of Gravesham council, said: “The Gravesend Merchant Navy Association is right to highlight the immense bravery of those who served in the Merchant Navy protecting the convoys on which the country depended and of course serving alongside the Royal Navy during the D-Day landings where more than 1,200 Merchant Navy ships took part.

“The council is acutely aware of Gravesend’s historic role as a former centre of merchant shipping and will proudly fly the Red Ensign on Merchant Navy Day on September 3.

“Civic services to commemorate the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces and Merchant Seamen are arranged in partnership with the Royal British Legion and Merchant Navy Association.

“No request was received that a service be held to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings and inquiries that were made at county level suggested that this was regarded as primarily a remembrance that is being marked on behalf of the whole nation by Her Majesty the Queen.

“I am sure that the whole country will remember the heroism of all who took part in the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, and will honour those soldiers, sailors, airmen and merchant seamen who made the ultimate sacrifice to free the many countries of Europe under Nazi occupation.”

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