A UNION flag is to be raised at the head offices of Wychavon District Council to mark the 70th anniversary of VE Day on Friday, May 8.

The event will be taking place from 2.35pm to match a speech given by Winston Churchill at the same time 70 years ago, which formally ended the second world war in Europe, and part of the original speech will be read aloud.

Afterwards those assembled will hold a two minute silence, as part of a nationwide silence to mark the anniversary.

Councillor Lynne Duffy will be raising the Union flag, with the chairman of the Worcestershire branch of the Royal British Legion, David Waldron of Droitwich Air Cadets and Councillor Paul Middlebrough, leader of Wychavon District Council.

The public are also welcome to attend the event, which will be outside the Civic Centre in Pershore.

Counting of the votes in the Wychavon District Council, parish and town council elections will also be taking place on that day, and the official count will be stopped at 3pm to allow those present to observe the silence.

Jack Hegarty, Managing Director of Wychavon District Council, said: “The end of the Second World War in Europe remains a key event in our nation’s history and many people across our district will have played a part in ensuring the Allies’ victory so we can enjoy the freedoms we do today.

“It’s only right we should mark this occasion 70 years on and pay tribute to all those who sacrificed so much for us all.”