VE Day anniversary commemorated by Smithdon students in Hunstanton and elderly residents in Dersingham

The anniversary of VE Day was particularly poignant for one student who helped create a special display in his school library.

Charles Werner-Smith, who attends Smithdon High School in Hunstanton, has grown up with stories of his great-grandfather who was a bomber in the Second World War.

He said: “I have heard all his amazing stories from my grandad, including one about how he got frostbite in both his legs.

“I’d already been really interested in the World Wars since primary school when I first found some books about them.

“But hearing those family stories made it feel more real to me.

“That’s what really sparked my interest for Second World War history, especially the planes.”

Set up with help from librarian Marie Taylor, memorabilia on show at the school included items borrowed from the Norfolk County Council library service which ranged from wartime propaganda posters to celebration pictures taken 80 years ago.

Marie said: “Charles has a keen interest in World War II, especially the planes.

“He wanted to commemorate VE Day and approached me with the idea of creating a small display in the library.”

There was also a mini street party with sausage rolls, cake, lemonade and music from Dame Vera Lynn, which gave students the chance to step back in time and reflect on the day, and what happened during the war years.

A group of students also joined the town’s official event held at the war memorial, known as the Cenotaph, when the commemorative flag was raised.

Saturday sees a gala day at the town hall from 2.30pm. A street party is being held on Sunday from noon after a parade and a service.

Elsewhere, a care home in Dersingham also commemorated VE Day with a party.

The hall at Hanover Court was decked out with union jack flags, and party food was available to the residents.

By Phoebe Cornell