On 8 May 1945, the news the nation had been waiting for arrived. War in Europe was over!

For days people had been anticipating the news of the German surrender - a team of bell ringers was on hand to ring in victory at St Paul's Cathedral, people bought Union Jack flags and houses were garlanded with bunting, ready for the celebrations that would surely come.

Finally, in a school house in Rheims, Germany's unconditional surrender was signed at 2.41 pm on May 7, 1945. Active operations by the German Forces would cease by 11.01 pm the next day. Six years of bloodshed in Europe that had killed approximately 382,700 members of the British Armed Forces and 67,100 civilians were finally over.

Bells across the country pealed, planes roared overhead, some doing the victory roll. A sea of red, white and blue erupted - even dogs wore tricolour bows – spontaneous celebrations broke out as men, women and children rejoiced.

Today (Friday), May 8, 2015, people will again be celebrating as the 70th anniversary of that day is commemorated with a weekend of events both in London and in the communities up an down the country marking Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

Events will range from parades, services of thanksgiving and concerts to street parties and the lighting of beacons, one of which will be in Pembroke Dock.

No doubt everyone who lived through the Second World War remembers what they were doing when the end of war in Europe was announced on May 8, 1945 - a day of celebration and bittersweet emotions - and below are just a couple of pictures of the subsequent events in Tenby.

Beacon to be lit at Pembroke Dock

Pembroke Dock will join more than 200 beacon locations around the country in lighting a special beacon to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day tonight (Friday).

The beacon produced for VE Day this year with a unique burner head in the shape of a V for victory.

Over 200 beacons will be lit at 9.32 pm throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man, following the lighting of the Principal Beacon outside Windsor Castle by Her Majesty The Queen.

In Pembroke Dock, the beacon will be lit at the Defensible Barracks (pictured) where it should be visible as far as Milford Haven.

It will be lit by the newly-installed Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Clr. Peter Kraus, and the chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Clr. Tom Richards, to mark the start of a week of celebrations, and all those who took part in the Second World Ward in Europe, both on the Home Front and overseas.

World War II VE Day - 1945

By Brenda MacLaren,

of Jameston

At 2.41 am on Monday, May 7, 1945 Germany surrendered unconditionally, with hostilities to cease at one minute past midnight on that day. At 3 pm on Tuesday, may 8, 1945 the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, broadcast to the world that the war against Germany had been won - this was declared Victory in Europe Day - a public holiday extending to Wednesday.

An immediate reaction of relief and hope and joy

was seen on every adult face by every girl and boy.

Soon streets were filled with people coming out of every door

All chattering and laughing with no more talk of war.

Out came the flags and bunting, the tables and the chairs,

Street parties for the children that had not been seen for years.

Despite the wartime rations the mums bought drinks and food

To feed the growing numbers who were all in party mood.

Lights were switched on everywhere as night began to fall

Whilst thoughts of loved ones far away caused hidden tears to fall.

The music, songs and laughter went on throughout the night

And in this brightly lit up world no more 'Put Out That Light!'

At last thoughts of the future with menfolk home once more

And families united replaced the thoughts of war.

This day will be remembered with sadness - and with joy:

'We thank those who gave a future to every girl and boy!'

With thanks to Gordon Prime.