A FULL day of events from near dawn to dusk is planned in Bulphan to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

They have been organised by Bulphan Village Community Forum which invites resdients and visitors to join them outside the village hall at 8am to hear town crier Steve delivering a proclamation about the victory in Europe eighty years ago.

In the afternoon there will be a tea with ukulele band entertainment (2 - 4pm - admission by ticket, email or phone 0775 283 6902 for tickets. Tickets are free for Bulphan residents and community cafe regulars, £5 for others) in the hall and a celebratory ringing of the bells will take place at the village church at 6.30pm.

The village hall and green will be the centre of attention in the evening from 8.30pm when visitors can enjoy what the bar can offer and listen to the 'Waiting for Derek' covers band.

Villagers have been working hard getting ready for the big day.

And the climax is at 9.30pm for the lighting of the beacon, with Thurrock's mayor, Kairen Raper, bagpiper Jo Goddard and a tribute by town crier Steve. 

The stage is noiw almost set for the big day after lots of preparatory working including loading the beacon.

Forum chair Janet McCheyne paid tribute to all those who have helped and said: "There are so many wonderful volunteers in Bulphan, giving their time and effort cheerfully. A big thank you to all."