Tomorrow marks the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe - a day of celebration and reflection as we remember the end of the war but also those who lost their lives in the war.

When then Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced on May 8 in 1945, after six years of fighting, there would be peace, people in their thousands went out onto the streets of the UK to celebrate.

That day has become known as VE Day - an annual event where the British public pay tribute to Second World War heroes.

But because of the unprecedented times we now live in, there will no street parties and there will be no major events and ceremonies - but it does not mean we cannot mark the occasion.

The Studios Rotary Club of Elstree & Borehamwood have organised a virtual event allowing people to come together in their own homes to celebrate VE Day.

The event will be streamed on YouTube - the link can be found here

At 2.45pm on Friday, town mayor, Cllr Simon Rubner, alongside Hertsmere Borough Council leader Cllr Morris Bright, will read out a message to residents, before rotary club president Nick Male and the Royal British Legion will continue the proceedings.

At 2.55pm, Borehamwood resident and member of brass band Borehamwood Brass, Andrew Grady, will play The Last Post on his cornet from his garden, joining a thousand musicians across the nation.

At 3pm, piper George MacGregor will play When The Battle's Over on his bagpipes from his garden.

Meanwhile, Hertsmere mayor, Cllr Alan Plancey, has encouraged residents of Hertsmere to take part in a nationwide two minute silence at 11am on Friday.

His video message can be watched below.

Cllr Pervez Choudhury, portfolio holder for community safety at Hertsmere Borough Council, said: "The day is our chance to say thank you and remember the incredible sacrifices made by a generation who gave so much during the Second World War. We are asking residents to make a small sacrifice and stay home.

"We can use this time of reflection to think about the courage and sacrifice our key workers make everyday to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

"However you choose to mark this day, whether quietly in your home, on your own front door step or connecting virtually with loved ones, I hope you can participate and join in this nationwide day of remembrance.”