THE highest point in Worcestershire will light up to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day on Friday.

The Worcestershire Beacon will be one of 200 locations across the country to light a specially-produced gas burner with a head in the shape of a V for victory during the evening on May 8.

The flame atop the 1,394ft hill is due to be lit at 9.32pm by Lord Lieutenant Patrick Holcroft following a welcome, bugle call and tribute read by veteran Nick Carter.

Manager of the Worcestershire Partnership – an organisation overseeing local government, public services, businesses and other bodies – said it was a “huge honour” to be involved in the national celebrations.

”This will be a tremendously significant moment for anyone who was there and can recall it and so important for the rest of us to remember the sacrifices made and those who lost their lives,” he said.

“We hope that across Worcestershire, residents will be able to look up and see our flaming beacon of hope that marks the start of celebrations and events over the weekend."

The first beacon at Windsor Castle will be lit by The Queen, kicking off a week of celebrations in remembrance of all those who served in World War Two.

The beacons have been funded by the Royal British Legion following a £6 million government grant.

Pageant master of the national celebrations Bruno Peek said the day marked an important milestone in British history.

“It was on this day, 70 years ago, that peace brought an end to nearly six years of war across Europe,” he said.

“We must not let this day pass without reflecting on the sacrifice, courage and determination of the people who saw us through this dark period.

“It therefore fitting that we should celebrate with the veterans and their families and commemorate this historic anniversary once more through the lighting of beacons on Friday 8 May this year.”

In total 580,406 UK and Commonwealth soldiers along with 67,073 British civilians died during the six-year conflict.