RESIDENTS of a Blackdown Hills village are gearing up to commemorate next week’s 80th anniversary of VE Day, which marked the end of the Second World War in Europe.

The celebrations in Hemyock will start on Sunday (May 4) with an 11am service in St Mary’s Church which everybody will be welcome to attend.

The proceedings will follow the national service written by the Church of England.

The unique ‘VE Day 80’ flag will be raised on the parish church tower at 9am on VE Day itself, Thursday, May 8, by the Royal British Legion’s local co-ordinator for the upper Culm Valley, David Bawler, who is organising the day.

A coffee morning will follow in the church between 10am and 12noon, with afternoon teas served from 2pm to 4pm.

The bells of St Mary’s will ring out the ‘Celebration of Peace’ at 6.30pm.

Around the church at 9.30pm there will be a lighting of the beacon lantern along with the reading of the tribute and singing of the hymn ‘I Vow to Thee My Country’.

Throughout the day there will be a display of memorabilia in the church, including work by pupils of the village primary school.

The Poppy Club and Community Shed will provide displays in the churchyard.

The Catherine Wheel public house will serve traditional British fish and chips to eat in or take away between 11am and 9.30pm.

Hemyock Twinning Association will be welcoming French friends who may want to attend the evening event.

Anybody requiring a free lift to any of the events is asked to call 01823 681036 to book with the Blackdown Support Group, which is sponsoring transport.

Hemyock Parish Council is sponsoring the day.

All proceeds from the day will be given to the legion.