Alistair Strathern, MP for the Hitchin constituency, started celebrations for the week of the 80th VE Day with Hitchin Royal British Legion (RBL) this weekend.

 Hitchin's newly relaunched RBL branch took over the Market Square in Hitchin this Saturday to raise funds and awareness for the charity and to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

 Strathern visited the stall on Saturday, and met with RBL Hitchin Branch's veterans and volunteers to thank them for all their work.

 VE Day, which falls on May 8th every year, marks the victory of the allies in Europe in World War Two.

Alistair Strathern MP said: "It was great to meet with our local RBL's veterans, many of whom have served multiple tours in war zones across the world, and with its dedicated volunteers. It is fantastic to see the Hitchin branch relaunched and at the heart of the community, and I'd urge everyone to dig deep in supporting them as they continue to grow".

 "On VE Day we recognise and thank the service of a whole generation, who 80 years ago freed Europe from tyranny. As we thank those who fought in war lifetimes ago every year, we must also continually thank our current armed forces and veterans for their sacrifice and service to keep us all safe."