MALPAS is gearing up to mark the end of the Second World War with a series of events over the coming weeks.

On Saturday, January 25 the village started the run up to VE day by holding a Second World War exhibition at the High Street Church.

Two years ago a similar event was held to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War, and it was hoped that this year's events will have a similar impact.

Chris Whitehurst, from the committee organising the events, said he hopes Malpas' celebrations of VE day help bind the village together.

"We have a full weekend programme in line with the national making of the 75th anniversary of VE Day," said Chris.

"It's a celebration of 75 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.

"The committee organising it did the Malpas 100 Years On in 2018 and that was hugely successful.

"We had some 250 comments back from people saying how much then enjoyed it.

"The committee want to do that again and the objective is two-fold.

"We want to commemorate VE Day, but it is also important to the growth of the community.

"This event is very important to bind the local community together.

"Today we're hoping to have a mini museum. Last time we grouped the theme around sets of soldiers, but this time with only 19 soldiers from the village we're looking at digging more deeply."