Most people celebrating Victory in Europe Day this year will be remembering an event that happened long before they were born.

But Michael Lishman, who was eight years-old the day the Second World War ended on May 8, 1945, has fond memories of the festivities that took place in Borehamwood.

The 78-year-old grandfather, who grew up in Cardinal Avenue, Borehamwood, now lives in Buckinghamshire with his wife, Jean.

As Borehamwood prepares to mark the 70th anniversary of the day Nazi forces surrendered in 1945, Mr Lishman shares his memories of how the town marked the first ever VE Day…

"That day, my mum took me to the Red Lion Pub in Elstree Way, which is now a McDonald's. It was a happy day. I remember being tucked under my mother’s arms.

"The atmosphere in the pub was tremendous, it was very exciting – everybody was dancing and singing and it really was electric.

"I was a little boy so it went over my head a little bit. My memory is a bit vague, but I will always have fond memories of VE Day."

Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council and the Woodcock Hill Village Green Society have organised a picnic at the Woodcock Hill Village Green, in Borehamwood, tomorrow.

Borehamwood Brass Band will play from 4pm and a children’s entertainer will start at 5pm.