ROYAL British Legion officials hope a coin issued to commemorate the

50th anniversary of the D-Day Landings will raise tens of thousands of

pounds for ex-Servicemen.

The Royal Mint said around 25% of the proceeds from the sale of the

50p piece would go to the legion's annual Poppy Appeal.

Singer Dame Vera Lynn, 76, unveiled the coin at a ceremony in London

yesterday. It was created by sculptor John Mills and depicts Allied

forces heading for the Normandy beaches to take part in the invasion of

France on June 6, 1944.

Legion officials were delighted with the coin, due to be released for

general use in May.

The coins are available in

presentation packs for

#1.95 from the Royal Mint, Freepost PO Box 500, Cardiff CF1 1YY.

Silver versions are available

for #23.95 and gold for

#375.