An expat from Portland who now lives in France has been described as a 'godsend' after laying wreaths for families that could not make it to this year's D-Day anniversary events.

Families across the world were unable to make the annual pilgrimage this year to the beaches of Normandy, where many pay their respects to the fallen on June 6, the anniversary of D-Day, because of the travel restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

But one man has allowed people across the globe to stay connected to the historic beaches from afar by laying personal wreaths at war memorials over Facebook Live.

Former Portland resident Steven Oldrid, 66, moved to the small town of Bénouville in Normandy when he retired in 2013, after commuting between Portland and Bénouville for many years.

Over the years Mr Oldrid has assisted local mayors with the annual memorial events but this year the fields have fallen silent. He said: "There's much less happening than usual, here's no musicians, there's no veterans it is absolutely surreal this year, really sad."

He was first asked in March by a friend if he could lay a wreath for them on the 76th anniversary of D-Day on June 6.

"This year I was approached when it became clear no one could come," he said. "Everyone from living veterans, children and families of dead veterans, friends and regiments."

"I was actually choked up when I got the first request. I’m always on the other side. Always in the background.

"They asked 'Steven, can you lay our wreath?' Well, they sent me five, and then another one said, 'Can you lay one for my granddad?' 'Can you lay one for my dad?'"

"It’s not ever, never will be a burden. It’s a pleasure and an honour."

Mr Oldrid ended up with a stack of nine wreaths and 47 crosses to place at war memorials across seven villages in two days. He also attended 18 different events around the anniversary, which he made sure to film for Facebook Live as well as the wreath layings so that loved ones could feel as if they were there.

"It's special because I have in their words been a godsend and saved the day," he said. "Most of all, it was special to make the veterans a bit happier. They are all friends of mine and the families of course.

"I don't usually lay wreaths or crosses, I prefer to blend in the background and assist, but this year it was an honour."