MORE than 100 people joined Westbury Mayor David Bradshaw at the top of the White Horse last Friday to mark the 70th anniversary of VE Day with a beacon lighting.

Beacons were lit in sequence across the country in recognition of Victory in Europe Day, when Nazi Germany surrendered in World War Two on May 8, 1945.

Amongst the crowd were surviving soldiers who had fought in the war as well as other military personnel and cadets from the area.

The beacon was lit by Mayor Bradshaw at 9.32am and burned for approximately one hour.

Town crier Sean Price was at the event, in what was a poignant moment for him having first taken up the role 20 years ago at the 50th anniversary of VE Day.

He said: “It was an amazing atmosphere, I thought the weather conditions may have kept people away so I was surprised about 150 people turned out.

“It went really smoothly though and the clouds decided to clear and we had a really nice view of Wiltshire and everyone would have been able to see the beacon.

“It was very emotive and a sombre occasion but was poignant to me because I first became town crier for the 50th anniversary of VE Day and this will probably be one of my last official duties as I’m retiring next month.

“But what is more important is remembering those who gave their lives and it was great to see so many young people out in their numbers and Westbury I think can be very proud of itself.”