A BEACON was lit as Herefordshire stopped to commemorate the 70th anniversary of VE Day last week.

The High Sheriff of Herefordshire, Edward Harley, lit the beacon outside Hereford's Shirehall on Friday evening in memory of the date that brought an end to the Second World War.

On VE Day 1945, millions of people across the UK shared an unprecedented moment of relief and euphoria that the war in Europe was finally over.

The chairman of Herefordshire Council, Councillor John Stone, Lady Darnley, High Sheriff, Edward Harley, and local mayors attend the service, along with Second World War veterans, members of the Royal British Legion and cadets.

Councillor John Stone, chairman of Herefordshire Council, told those who gathered on Friday: "VE Day on May 8 represents an important milestone in the history of our country and indeed the world. It was 70 years ago that peace broke out and brought an end to nearly six years of war across Europe. We can't let this day pass without reflecting on the sacrifices, courage and determination of the people who saw us through this dark period."

Cllr Stone said his own dad was in the forces and went to France on D-Day.

"It's our parents' generation and our grandparents' generation and we need to remind everyone, especially younger people, of the sacrifices they made and the huge relief that everybody felt when war ended in Europe," he said.

"It was a moving occasion hopefully for all those who took part and those watching."

He added that it was a 'great privilege' to be representing Herefordshire Council, paying tribute to all the people, both home and abroad, that kept the country and county going during the war years.

The event consisted of speeches, a bugle call and culminated with the lighting of the beacon.

Images highlighting the county's involvement in the First World War were also projected onto Lloyds Bank in High Town.

Members of the public also attended to help celebrate the important anniversary.