BARNARD Castle is set to host an event to commemorate the 70th anniversary of VE Day on Friday, May 8.

Poppy Appeal supporters have booked St Mary’s Church Parish Hall, in Newgate, to remember the day which marked the official signal for the end of the Second World War.

Events will include a display of photographs and stories loaned from local collections, including those of Parkin Raine, Gary Marshall and Hazel Yeadon, while there will also be a replica Battle of Britain operations room where guests can have a go at plotting.

A street party on rations will be displayed too so people can find out more about the food people celebrated with, while re-enactors will tell people about life during the war and refreshments, including some made to war time recipes, will be available.

In the evening, Barnard Castle Band and Friends will present a tribute concert along with a licensed bar and raffle.

Organiser, Iris Hillery, said: “We just felt that we did not want the day to pass without it being commemorated because obviously it was a big day for the nation and for Teesdale.

“We want people to come along on the day and tell us their stories - we would love to hear what people remember.”

All proceeds from the event, which starts at 10.30am, will be given to the local Poppy Appeal fund which supports ex-service personnel across the UK. Tickets will be available soon.

For more information or to get involved contact Mrs Hillery or Allan Jones on 01833-690860 or email iris@ajalon.co.uk

You can also search for Barnard Castle V E Day 70th Anniversary Tribute on Facebook.