COMMUNITIES in South East Cornwall will be marking the anniversary of the end of the Second World War tomorrow as national commemmorations go ahead under Covid-19 guidelines.

In Saltash, a short outdoor service for Victory in Japan (VJ) Day will be held at the St Nicholas and St Faith Church War Memorial: muster will be at 10.45am for a two minute silence from 11am.

Meanwhile in Callington, St Mary’s Close will be the location for the VJ service – this was chosen rather than the war memorial itself for the commemoration at 11am, as it would be an easier place to social distance, said the town’s RBL.

Looe’s RBL has marked this important anniversary by placing new information panels in honour of the town’s 39 Second World War fallen. While the usual ceremonies in Looe have been curtailed due to the coronavirus, the RBL said it wanted to show its respects and organise something to mark the important date.

The information on the panels has been researched from scratch by member Dave Welch.

National commemorations to mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day will be led by the Royal Family.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall are set to attend a private service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, and will lead the country in two minutes of silence at 11am. Some veterans will also attend the event, and screens around the country will display photo montages of veterans.

The Red Arrows will do flyovers in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London.

The BBC will be broadcasting two special programmes to remember those who served in the Far East, often referred to as the ’forgotten army’.

Morning coverage between 9.30 – 11am will come live from the National Memorial Arboretum, while in the studio, presenter Sophie Raworth will welcome guests, including veterans, who will discuss the significance of this anniversary.

The commemorations will close in the evening on BBC One between 8.30-10pm at Horse Guards Parade in London.

During a programme narrated by Joanna Lumley, whose father was an officer with the 6th Gurkha Rifles, the story of all those who served in the Far East will be told.

The event will chart the crucial campaign that led to the end of the Second World War, and key moments of the conflicts will be reflected through readings and musical performances.