On the left is a modern photo of a woman in ambulance uniform next to an older woman with a VE Day flag behind them and on the right is a black and white photo of a child holding the hands of two adults whilst walking down a street

Today is the 80th anniversary of VE Day, which marks the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Emergency Medical Technician Alison McLachlan shares her 87 year old mother’s story and experience of VE Day in Burnley.

“My mother recollects hearing about VE Day through builders at her home who heard it over the radio. The builders immediately put down their tools and left to celebrate at the local pub!”

“By the brick built air raid shelters down the road from my mother’s house, a bonfire was lit and they had fireworks, candles and fire crackers to commemorate the occasion.”