Thursday (May 8) will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day – Victory in Europe, which marked the end of the Second World War in Europe - and Leamington Spa is set to play its part in the commemorations.

A commemorative 'VE Day 80' flag will be raised at 9am at the town hall by the Chairman of Warwick District Council, Cllr Rob Margrave, and representatives from the towns and Royal British Legion.

The Leamington branch of the Royal British Legion will be holding a short service at the War Memorial on Euston Place at 6.30pm, with a reading by Father Christopher Wilson from All Saints Church.

From 7.30pm, the district will join the nation in lighting the beacon at Newbold Comyn.

The free event will begin with refreshments which will be available from 7.30pm - including pizza, coffee and cake.

Music will get underway at 8.30pm.

Speeches will start at 9.20pm before the 9.30pm beacon lighting.

The 'VE Day 80 Tribute' will be read by the Mayor of Royal Leamington Spa, Cllr Judith Clarke, followed by a short speech by the Chairman of Warwick District Council.

The reading of the proclamation in the morning and the lighting of the beacon at Newbold Comyn in the evening will both be live streamed on Warwick District Council's Facebook page.