Emotional scenes at poignant celebration of war effort

VETERANS and members of the public gathered in Stockport to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

- BY DECLAN CAREY, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER

A gathering of the armed forces community was held outside St George's Church at 6.30pm on Thursday, the same time as church bells rang out across the country to mark the moment World War Two came to an end in Europe.

The poignant event saw standard bearers front and centre along a flag-lined street, with families and local residents turning out to pay their respects and remember loved ones.

"For me this day is always emotional," said Christopher Quigley, who was part of the former 1st Royal Tank Regiment.