Our clergy, churches and communities on the Isle of Wight were involved in a variety of activities to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

It included a major service in Newport Minster, as well as Acts of Remembrance at war memorials, and engagement with schools and veterans to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War.

At Sandown CofE Primary School, the Rev Mark Williams, vicar of Christ Church Sandown and St Paul’s Shanklin, (pictured above) was able to ride in the back of a Second World War truck with the Mayor. Two of the pupils were competition prize-winners for their design of mugs to mark VE Day 80.

There were Acts of Remembrance at the war memorial on the seafront at Sandown, and at the Shanklin war memorial, as well as a visit to the Royal British Legion in Shanklin. The Rev Tony Richards led a short service there, and Navy veteran Alec Penstone, who is 100 years old attended.

There was a quick visit to the nearby library where the children received their mugs. Back at the Royal British Legion, the national two-minute silence was kept, and Alec dismissed the parade.

The Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight Susie Sheldon later laid a wreath at the war memorial in Sts Thomas Square in Newport, outside Newport Minster. Then dignitaries went inside for the main service of Remembrance.