FORMER Devizes mayor Jim Thorpe, who is organising the VE/VJ Day celebrations, has called on the community to help make it a success worthy of the occasion.

Mr Thorpe is hoping shops , especially those with premises in the Market Place, will put out bunting and flags so that the culmination of the week's events, the parade and open-air service on July 10, will be an occasion to remember.

He also wants as many ex-servicemen and women as possible to join in the parade.

He said: "This is not an act of remembrance, but one of celebration. We are marking the defeat of tyranny and we can congratulate ourselves for having taken part in that struggle."

The week begins on Monday July 4 when veterans of the Wiltshire Regiment and other local men will talk to year 10 and sixth form pupils on their war experiences.

Visits to schools will continue on the Tuesday and Wednesday.

On July 7 the Devizes Singers will give a concert in the town hall, featuring a medley of songs from the war and readings. Entry is free, but numbers are limited and tickets are available from Devizes Books.

Friday features an evening of dance and entertainment at the Wyvern Club in Church Walk organised by Keith Burge. There will be dancing to recordings of songs of the 1940s and the audience will be urged to join in a singalong. Entry is free but tickets must be obtained from the Wyvern Club.

On Saturday morning there will be a display of military vehicles on the Small Green while, at the town hall, there will be three showings of a series of films about the Home Guard and various community events.

The week culminates on July 10, with the parade and service. Veterans will parade at around 1.45pm, supported by soldiers from the Adjutant General's Corps. The parade will be led by the Devizes Town Band. The service will begin at 2.30pm.

Mr Thorpe said: "This is not just a celebration for ex-service people, but for all of us. "For details he can be contacted on (01380) 724746.