Veterans, residents and councillors joined together for a special service to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.

A poignant service was hosted by Clacton Royal British Legion and Tendring District Council (TDC) at Clacton War Memorial this morning (Thursday, 8 May).

The service was led by the Reverend David Lower and included a reading by Councillor Bill Davidson, Chairman of TDC.

"The 80th anniversary service was a profoundly moving event, with a significant number of people coming together to pay tribute to those who fought in the conflict," said Councillor Davidson.

"Victory in Europe Day signified the end of six years of war in Europe, and we honoured the memory of those who gave their lives for that victory and the freedoms we enjoy today.

"We continue to see a strong turnout for these services, and with ongoing conflicts in parts of Europe, it was especially meaningful to reflect on the end of the Second World War on the continent.

“In marking VE Day we also reflected on the ongoing heroism of Allied forces at the time in the Far East ahead of the end of the war, which is marked by the separate VJ Day.”

The council-run Princes Theatre in Clacton will be hosting Neil Sands with his Land of Hope and Glory show, which has been specially produced to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, on 10 June at 2pm.

The patriotic and nostalgic afternoon will feature marvellous and memorable songs and favourites from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s.