ACROSS Thurrock - as across the whole of the UK, local communities have been celebrating the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Because of social distancing legislation traditional street parties couldn't take place - but that hasn't stopped Thurrock residents getting in the spirit of the occasion.

Across the borough neighbours have taken to their front gardens to raise a toast and enjoy the moment with their friends and families. Some even took to dancing - but keeping apart of course!

In our featured video the residents of Rushley Close in Grays are captured having fun and similar scenes have been taking place across the borough.

And in Bulphan, piper Joanne Goddard played her part by playing 'Battle's O'er, the traditional march played at the end of a battle. She was announced by the village's own crier, Steve Benn.

Earlier today, silence fell across the borough a the nation marked the fallen heroes with a two minute silence. Thurrock Nub News editor neil Speight was at B&Q in Lakeside to witness haw even Bank Holiday shopping came to a halt as people paid their respects.

And the borough mayor, Cllr Terry Picollo and deputy mayor, Cllr Sue Shinnock, laid wreaths at the Stanford-le-Hope and Grays town centre memorials.