North Stifford villagers and members of St. Mary's church came together on the village green today (Thursday, 8 May) to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a short service of prayers for peace led by Rev Clive Russell before singing the National Anthem, followed by tea, coffee and cake in the village hall.

Two minutes of silence was observed at 12 noon and shortly after everyone broke into spontaneous and very enthusiastic singing of some of the old war time favourites!

The village is very proud of the floral display prepared by villagers and members of the church which highlights the day and which is currently on display on the village green.

The bells of St. Mary's will join other churches across the nation in ringing their bells at 6.30pm, echoing the sounds that swept across the country in 1945 in a collective act of thanksgiving.