The centre offers young and old the opportunity to discover the role the Port of Portland played during the invasion of northern France on D-Day in June 1944 through an immersive experience, and features an authentic recreation of the busy wartime dockyard from which where thousands of American troops departed for France.

The displays are hands on and include a wartime harbour scene where men and equipment are being loaded onto a landing ship moored alongside the dock, and an impressive array of authentic WW2 artefacts and vehicles, including a full-size replica Spitfire, a Bofors 40mm gun and even a restored Sherman tank, plus interactive audio-visual displays, tank tours and a D-Day bunker.

John Davis, the centre’s manager said: “Castletown D-Day Centre is a moving tribute, not only to the bravery of the thousands of troops who defended our freedom, but also to the people of Weymouth and Portland.

“The centre is a fantastic family visitor attraction that offers an unrivalled opportunity to take a trip back in time to discover the great wartime sacrifice made by a heroic generation.”

There are new and improved displays for 2021, as well as a new addition to the vehicle collection.

The centre is always looking for volunteers to join its ranks to help with a variety of roles from driving the vehicles and hoisting the flags, to welcoming visitors, delivering tank tours and much more.

From 19 May, the centre is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Visit information, event news and contact details can be found on the Centre’s Facebook page @castletownddaycentre and website www.ddaycentre.com