An 81-metre-long mesh 3D depiction of D-Day is being unveiled in the town considered by many to be the spiritual home of the British Army.

The Longest Yarn has toured the UK since its debut in Normandy in June to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, arriving in Aldershot.

It depicts scenes of troops landing on the Norman beaches, paratroopers being loaded onto planes, and a French family waiting at home for news of the invasion.

The wool art will then be unveiled to the public at Aldershot Royal Garrison Church and will be on display until 18 November.

Thousands of people have already seen it at Southwell Minster, Nottingham and Llandudno, but its creator said there was only one place he could spend this symbolic time of year.

Tansy Forster said: “When Aldershot said they wanted it I’m afraid I decided the British Army needed it more than a cathedral.

“The British Army needed to return to its spiritual home.”

The installation marks the opening of the recently renovated Garrison Church, which has undergone the largest restoration in its history.

Army chaplain Rev. Andrew Latifa said: “We are always interested in how our youth are taught and the values ​​they hold.

“Something like this is a great opportunity to get them engaged in chanting.”

The piece arrived at Aldershot on Wednesday, where it was unloaded and reassembled by soldiers from the 27th Regiment RLC.

Pte Paige Neale told the BBC: “I think it’s a great time for this to happen and it’s an honor to be a part of it and build something that means something to us.”

The D-Day landings saw more than 150,000 Allied troops land on the beaches of Normandy on 6 June 1944; This remains the largest amphibian invasion in history.