A MILITARY procession of more than fifty American GIs and D-Day vehicles paraded through Castletown to mark the opening of an immersive Second World War museum.

The long-anticipated D-Day centre, based in the former Admiralty Buildings, opened its doors to the public on Saturday.

Here's a video from the day:

Hundreds of people turned out to get a first glimpse of the museum and a marvel at the re-enactment soldiers, military Jeeps, dodge weapon carriers, and half-tracks making a special open-day appearance.

The American themed D-Day museum is part of the Castletown regeneration project and will highlight the role of the American GI’s who embarked from Portland for the Normandy landings on June, 6 1944.

Agincare owner Derek Luckhurst, who is behind the Castletown revival project, said: “The turnout has been amazing, I think it is approaching about 300 people, it is an unbelievable response.

“This centre is 12 months in the making, we have had amazing support from the people of Portland and Weymouth. I feel elated, for the last two weeks we have worked flat out.

“The Castletown regeneration is a multifaceted project and everyone has worked really hard. All our contributors are volunteers, and all the local businesses who have contributed to the centre have either done it for free or at a reduced rate, it is a real community project.”

Ted Young, 93, a veteran who landed on Juno Beach during the Normandy landings, travelled from Poole for the opening.

He said: “It is so nice to see so many people wanting to remember D-Day.”

Built over two levels, the visitor centre also features WWII era military vehicles, a full-sized replica Mk IX Spitfire and an original Sherman M4A4 tank.

Mayor of Portland Sandy West said: “It is amazing. I have not seen Castletown this busy since I don’t know when. It is absolutely delightful to be here.

“I think it will be great when the cruise ships come in, people won’t go off to Stonehenge or Bovington because they will have everything right here.”

Museum curator Steve George has been working full-time to ensure the centre offers visitors an immersive experience telling the story of embarkation from a busy wartime dockyard.

His daughter Maisie said: “Dad has been collecting war memorabilia and all the stuff for a while so I am glad he has turned it into a museum for other people look at. I think it’s really good for children to learn from because there are a lot of things you can pick up and really have a look at.”