WAR veterans crowded in the pews to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and Victory in Japan Day.

Pensioners from across the county took part in a moving commemorative service on Sunday, June 5, attended by the Lord Lieutenant for Buckinghamshire Sir Nigel Mobbs and the Bishop of Buckingham Alan Wilson.

A war widow and three war veterans, representing the armed services, led the congregation in prayers for all those who died and the bishop officially closed the book of remembrance.

Wycombe was represented by Victor Bartlett, 75, from Downley, who put his bricklaying skills to good use during national service in the 1950s, helping to build sea defences against the floods in Nottingham in 1953.

He said: "It was a beautiful service."

Following the proceedings inside St Mary's Parish Church, Aylesbury, the RAF Halton Pipes and Drums Band, Royal British Legions, standard bearers, veterans and war widows paraded past the Lord Lieutenant for the official salute in Market Square.

People lined the streets and cheered, and one man who popped out of the Queen's Head pub, showed his gratitude to a passing veteran by offering him the rest of his pint, which was gratefully drained on the march to the delight of the crowd.

Sir Nigel said the day had been a fitting remembrance for the county's war heroes.

Percy Reginald Young, 89, was one of the last remaining veterans who enjoyed the service. He served in the Royal Engineer bomb disposal unit and took part in the D-Day landings in Normandy.

VE Day is celebrated on May 8 every year and marks the formal end of the Second World War in 1945. VJ Day is celebrated on August 15.

Commemorative celebrations have already been taking place across the country and will continue across the world throughout the year to celebrate 60 years of freedom.

Amersham is set to celebrate the 60th anniversary on July 9, when Sir Nigel will once again be in attendance.

Chesham's mayor Cllr Chris Spruytenberg has invited veterans to join him for a special Wartime Tea in Chesham Town Hall between 2.30pm and 5pm on June 26.

Guests are invited to wear 1940s style costumes and enjoy a selection of pastries and cakes made using the original wartime recipes minus the powdered eggs.

For details about other 60th VE and VJ Day anniversary celebrations contact Wycombe District Council or a branch of the Royal British Legion.

For more photos from this event visit www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/photosales