Across the borough tomorrow (Thursday, 8 May) there will be dozens of commemoration and celebratory events marking the 80th anniversay of Victory in Europe - VE Day.

Tuesday 8 May, 1945 was declared Victory in Europe day, after the Allies accepted Germany's unconditional surrender and the war in Europe came to an end.

A special exhibition telling the personal stories of local people who lived through this time has been on show at the Thameside Complex and runs until 15 May.

VE Day celebrations in the region will begin in Bulphan with a town crier's proclamation at 8am.

In Grays, at 9am there will be a flag raising at the Town Hall. This will be followed by a service at the Grays War Memorial, organised by Grays Royal British Legion. Those wishing to attend are advised to arrive by 10.45am to observe a one minute silence at 11am. A service will also be held at Orsett War Memorial at 11am.

Tilbury Royal British Legion will be holding their service at the Tilbury Memorial at 11am, again with an advisory to meet from 10.45am.

In the afternoon, a special VE Day celebration, complete with music, dancing, cakes and tea, will be held at the Tilbury Riverside Railway Station, London International Cruise Terminal.

The event starts at 2pm. Booking is not required.

Along with the solemn events, there will be a host of celebrations, including a VE party in Horndon on the Hill Methodist Church Hall from 10am to 2pm. Plenty of food and a singalong is promised. Church bells in Horndon (and at other points across the borough) will ring out in celebration at 6pm.

Communities will also be holding their own street parties to foster community spirit and mark the day with friends. Among them, at South Ockendon Library, afternoon tea and entertainment for 30 residents will take place.

In Grays, the popular Vintage Tea Room on William Street will be celebrating with wartime songs and activites.

In Grays, leaving at start from Grays - T100 Young Ambassadors, who have been working with East Tilbury Primary school pupils, will lead a short interactive walk (check details and book here) from the Grays war memorial, highlighting local stories from WW2. The walk will end with a tea party for the children taking part at the Town Hall.

Cllr Valerie Morris-Cook, Cabinet Member for Community Partnerships, said: "This VE Day is an opportunity to remember and honour the sacrifices that were made by so many to preserve our freedom. It is also a chance for residents to come together and celebrate the victory with neighbours and loved ones.

"With so few of those who served in the war still with us, it is really important that these anniversaries continue to be remembered and respected."

At 9.30pm, beacons in Thurrock will be lit joining flaming beacons around the UK marking the anniversary. They can be witnessed at Purfleet, Bulphan, Coalhouse Fort (East Tilbury), Langdon Hills Country Park and Grays Riverside (by the Yacht Club).

The event in Grays will be preceeded at 7pm by a Fish & Chips supper, organised by Grays Big Local, at South Essex College for veterans, also making National Fish & Chip Day. At 8.30pm local Scouts, Cubs Army Cadets & British Legion will leave the college and parade to Kilvert Field where the Royal British Legion will hold a short service before the beacon is lit.

At Coalhouse the celebration will start around 8.30, with beacon lighting to follow. Tilbury Brass band will be playing providing music on the night.