THE Gazette has teamed up with BBC Radio Wiltshire in asking people in the county to come together by decorating their front windows with special bunting to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

On Friday, May 8, it will be 75 years since the guns fell silent at the end of war in Europe. Traditionally, the country would be celebrating with street parties and events honouring the war heroes. However due to the coronavirus restrictions, celebrations have been cancelled.

In a fitting tribute to the men and women of World War II, the VE Day bunting can be proudly displayed alongside children’s beautiful rainbow pictures for the NHS frontline heroes of today.

It’s an easy activity to do with kids providing an opportunity talk about the history of World War II and commemorate the fallen.

Gazette & Herald editor Pete Gavan said: “We might not be able to commemorate this important day as we would have liked but that doesn’t mean we can’t pay tribute.

“It’s vital we take the time to remember those who fought in the conflict and those who lost their lives.”

BBC Radio Wiltshire Breakfast presenter Ben Prater added: “It’s only right that we remember those who gave so much to keep us safe.

“We want as many people as possible to get involved to really show how much Wiltshire cares.”

And we want you to show off your bunting on social media using the hashtags #GreatBritishBunting and #VEDay75.

Hero Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson MBE, the most injured UK serviceman to have survived the Afghanistan conflict, started off the initiative by proudly displaying his bunting in his home in Doncaster.

He said: “Even though we can’t have the big celebration right now, we should never forget the brave men and women of World War Two. So please join in and make bunting to remember them”.

On VE Day itself, The Adver will local stories and memories and an 8-page pull-out.

BBC Radio Wiltshire will be remembering the wartime generation through stories and archive. Whilst all the local events have been cancelled, the teams will be reflecting the work of charities and organisations to mark the day. The station will be hearing how local people are reflecting on the day at home and celebrating their reasons for joining in the bunting campaign. All 39 BBC Local Radio stations will help listeners join in the nation-wide singalong of We’ll Meet Again at 9pm.

Go to page 47 for your bunting template.

A bunting template pack can be downloaded online at www.bbc.co.uk/makeadifference.