Veterans hoping for big VE Day event turnout

A MOTIVATED pair of veterans who have arranged a special VE Day event in Newcastle this May are hoping as many people as possible will join them in marking the big anniversary.

- BARBARA HODGSON

With May 8 set to celebrate 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, lifelong pals Matt Hall and Mike Brooke - who each served 20 years in the military - were keen to arrange an event to give fellow veterans a chance to come together to commemorate the date. The duo have been planning their event at the city's Old Eldon Square since March and it will get under way there at 10.15am, with celebrations to follow.

Matt, who served with the Coldstream Guards and 72 Engineer Regiment TA for 20 years, said: "Last year's D-Day commemorations were very important and a profound moment for veterans in the North East. This year, we were determined to remember VE Day in a similar and appropriate way, especially as many of us may not be here for the centenary in 20 years."