Honour our heroes with a huge party down your street

EASTENDERS star Ross Kemp and Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes are joining the armed forces in encouraging a nation of street parties to celebrate VE Day next month.

- By Ben Mitchell

They were among guests on board the Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan at Portsmouth Naval Base, which hosted a tea party to promote celebrations on May 5.

Ross said: "The British public love a knees up and there's no better reason to celebrate than the anniversary of VE Day.

"I'll be raising a glass to the veterans who defended us, the values that prevailed and the freedom we still have as a result of their victory.

"Half of the country is already joining in. My message to the other half is it's not too late to get involved."