POIGNANT services will take place in Harwich and Manningtree to celebrate and commemorate VE Day.

Residents are urged to gather at memorials in the towns to commemorate the end of the Second World War in Europe .

A service will be held at the war memorial between Main Road and Fronks Road, in Dovercourt, at 10.45am on Sunday, and will feature readings and prayers.

Rose Kirkham, Harwich Royal British Legion branch secretary, said: “It is as important as ever to remember all those who gave their lives, gave everything, for us.”

In Manningtree, people are asked to arrive at the memorial at 3pm, where the service will be held.

Representati ves from the town council and the president of the Manningtree branch of the Royal British Legion, Kerry King, will be on hand to pay tribute .

Sharon Robinson, secretary of the branch, said: “The Rev Titley will be leading prayers. To be truthful, it’s not about celebrating really it’s about commemorating.

“As much we’re celebrating the fact that people came home, it’s about the people that were lost.

“Because of Afghanistan recently, I think people are more prone than ever to come out and support the Armed Forces.

“There’s not one family in the UK that isn’t touched by the forces in some way or another .”

She added: “These events are always very well supported by the town, the community of Manningtree come out in force and it’s amazing to see.

“At these services, we see everyone from little tots to great-grandparents and it has amazed me how the town have accepted the cause and opened their hearts to it.”