WW2 veterans to gather at Arboretum to mark VE Day

PA Media A sandy path with green fields either side leads to stone stairs, and a war memorial on a hill. It is a sunny day with blue skies. PA Media
The National Memorial Arboretum will welcome World War Two veterans on VE Day in May

The 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two will be commemorated at the National Memorial Arboretum in May.

Victory in Europe Day - known as VE Day - on 8 May will welcome the largest gathering of war veterans at the site at Alrewas in Staffordshire.

The Royal British Legion (RBL) will host a service of remembrance at the Arboretum and a tea party to recreate the spirit of the street parties as part of a series of events taking place there in May 1945.

Mark Atkinson, director general of the Royal British Legion, said the event would be "special" to thank WW2 veterans, as there were "so few left".

The free RBL event will begin at 10:00 BST with the VE Day service at 16:00.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Related internet links