The Queen and other world leaders have paid their tributes to veterans of the D-Day landings.

On the 60th anniversary of the first Allied landings on the continent, the Queen said: "I take it upon myself to express the immense debt of gratitude we owe to you all.

"I salute you, and thank you on behalf of the whole nation."

Earlier, French President Jacques Chirac struck a conciliatory note, saying assembled leaders, including Germany's Gerhard Schroeder, were "celebrating together the victory of peace and democracy".

President Bush also paid tribute to those who lost their lives securing the freedom of Europe.

"Our great alliance is strong and it is still needed today," he added.