Today, 80 years ago, people in the military town of Bordon breathed a collective sigh of relief. War was over.

Many partied as the air raid sirens fell silent, and lights could finally be turned on during the darkness of night.

And the same will happen in Whitehill this evening with a beacon being lit and a community coming together to mark a never-to-be forgotten landmark in British, European and World history.

Whitehill and Bordon’s proud military links will come to forefront once again today with a series of events to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

The commemorations will begin at 9am at Forest Community Centre with a proclamation by town crier, Stuart Morrison, and the raising of the Union Flag.

Attention will turn to Whitehill village hall in the evening with the beacon outside the Sutton Field venue being lit at 9.30pm. Locals will also join a nationwide rendition of I Vow to Thee My Country in a shared moment of celebration.

Thoughts and prayers were also shared last weekend at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with worshippers also making a very visual tribute to those “we owe so much to”.

A beautiful curtain of poppies, knitted by their team, has been draped across the railings to their High Street church while their pipe band will also take part in tonight’s commemorations in Whitehill.

“Eighty years has been and gone,” said a spokesperson, adding: “May we never take their sacrifice for granted – we will remember them.”

There will be more festivities this weekend as the Town Mayor’s Charity Event will take place at Forest Community Centre from 4pm to 10pm with games, stalls and live music.

The event is free to attend but proceeds will go to the mayor’s chosen charities of Bordon Food Bank and Butterflies Bereavement Support.