Despite VE Day events and celebrations being cancelled or postponed, west Dorset residents marked the momentous anniversary.

Friday, May 8 was the 75th anniversary of VE Day - the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Many put up bunting inside and outside their homes, had a garden tea party and played and sung along to Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again.

The Queen made a special, poignant speech in which she praised Britain’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and remarking that the UK’s streets are filled with love.

The Rev Pete Stone of Bridport Team Ministry produced a series of videos to celebrate the 75th anniversary and to pay tribute to all those lost during the war. This is published at bridport-tc.gov.uk alongside a clip of Bridport town crier John Collingwood ‘crying for peace’ and a special message from Bridport mayor, Cllr Barry Irvine.

Jamie Isaacs, of JSW Entertainment, has been lighting up Beaminster St Mary's Church in blue on Thursdays and as a special tribute to VE Day, he illuminated the building in red, white and blue.

Residents at Coneygar Lodge care home in Bridport had their own street party buffet lunch, followed by a visit from a 1949 Land Rover series one.

Some residents in Lyme Regis enjoyed listening to music with a cup of tea and cake.

Bridport resident Louise Goligher decorated her house and her daughter, Sivatia, laid a wreath at the Bridport cenotaph on their daily walk on behalf of the Bridport Royal British Legion. 

Neighbours in Folly Mill Lane, observing social distancing, enjoyed an afternoon tea and had a visit from an authentically dressed Second World War SFP Auxiliary doing her rounds on her bicycle, complete with her tin of dried egg.

The flags were also out and tea was made ready for Marksmead's celebration in Drimpton. Molly and Eddie Gerrard entertained residents with renditions of We'll Meet Again and other Second World War songs. Social distancing didn't stop them from having a good social occasion. 

If you marked the occasion in a special way, send us your photos to news@bridportnews.co.uk