32 incredible pictures show how Shropshire and the West Midlands celebrated VE Day 80 years ago today

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It is 80 years since Britain celebrated Victory over Nazi Germany - sparking a string of parties over the weeks that followed. 

In typical make-do-and-mind style, trestle tables were hastily thrown together in the street, dining chairs were commandeered, and a good time had by all. 

Today such events require road closure orders and the consent of the local authority, but back in 1945 there were no such worries, and besides hardly anybody had cars. 

Songs and celebrations rang out as the country marked the end of six long, hard years of war across our continent. Although for some, who had lost loved ones, the smiles would have masked inner grief, and the general mood was one of relief and gratitude for those who had made the ultimate sacrifice.

Most of the celebrations were ad-hoc affairs, often organised by extended families, although others, such as the one in Jackfield, were more organised - with the village's brass band providing the music.

Not even the rain, which afflicted part of the day, could dampen the spirits. The war was not over, and people were mindful that fighting continued in the Far East. But the end was in sight, and the people of the county were ready to celebrate.

A 'Victory' banner was stretched across Much Wenlock High Street as the town celebrated Victory in Europe. According to Ina Taylor, author of the 2011 book Much Wenlock Past To Present, Holy Trinity Church and the guildhall were floodlit; sports and tea parties were held along with a thanksgiving service, and at night an effigy of Hitler was burned.placeholder image
A 'Victory' banner was stretched across Much Wenlock High Street as the town celebrated Victory in Europe. According to Ina Taylor, author of the 2011 book Much Wenlock Past To Present, Holy Trinity Church and the guildhall were floodlit; sports and tea parties were held along with a thanksgiving service, and at night an effigy of Hitler was burned.
Celebrations in Rope Walk, off Beatrice Street, Oswestryplaceholder image
Celebrations in Rope Walk, off Beatrice Street, Oswestry
Celebrating the end of the war at 'The Sump' in Oakengates, around Vicar Street and Church Street, was Jean Edwards, second row, second from right and her friendsplaceholder image
Celebrating the end of the war at 'The Sump' in Oakengates, around Vicar Street and Church Street, was Jean Edwards, second row, second from right and her friends
VE Day celebrations at The Old Hall, Dorrington, with Ursula Egerton Hine,  18, second from the left, above the flag. She is wearing a black  skirt made from blackout material with a bit of added braid. Sitting to her left is Marion Nellhaus, a Jewish refugee who had fled Germany placeholder image
VE Day celebrations at The Old Hall, Dorrington, with Ursula Egerton Hine, 18, second from the left, above the flag. She is wearing a black skirt made from blackout material with a bit of added braid. Sitting to her left is Marion Nellhaus, a Jewish refugee who had fled Germany
A parade through Whitchurch was held to celebrate the victoryplaceholder image
A parade through Whitchurch was held to celebrate the victory
VE Day celebrations in Hereford High Townplaceholder image
VE Day celebrations in Hereford High Town
A party at the Prince of Wales, Bynner Street, Shrewsbury. The girl in the centre is thought to be Mary Yeomans, with her mother standing left with a Mrs Strain. placeholder image
A party at the Prince of Wales, Bynner Street, Shrewsbury. The girl in the centre is thought to be Mary Yeomans, with her mother standing left with a Mrs Strain.
This Victory in Europe celebration street party was being held at Lloyds Head, Jackfield, at 4pm. Ron Miles, who helped set up the tables, was celebrating his 16th birthday.placeholder image
This Victory in Europe celebration street party was being held at Lloyds Head, Jackfield, at 4pm. Ron Miles, who helped set up the tables, was celebrating his 16th birthday.
VE Day in Mardol, Shrewsburyplaceholder image
VE Day in Mardol, Shrewsbury
Newport's VE Day celebrations started in Springfield Terrace, before rain caused them to move to the garage in Stafford Road. Beryl Lawley, of Station Terrace, Newport, is on the left row of the table, second one in, with the bottom of her face obscured. Her brother Colin Lawley is on the right hand side of the table, seated at the far end.placeholder image
Newport's VE Day celebrations started in Springfield Terrace, before rain caused them to move to the garage in Stafford Road. Beryl Lawley, of Station Terrace, Newport, is on the left row of the table, second one in, with the bottom of her face obscured. Her brother Colin Lawley is on the right hand side of the table, seated at the far end.
A street party to mark VE Day at Harlescott Close, later Roselyn, Shrewsbury. Glenys Richards. with the ribboned crook, played Bo-Peep, with front left, Michael Richards, and back, third from right in flat cap Peter Richards as Robin Hood. Also in picture is their father. Fred Richards, back row in top hat.placeholder image
A street party to mark VE Day at Harlescott Close, later Roselyn, Shrewsbury. Glenys Richards. with the ribboned crook, played Bo-Peep, with front left, Michael Richards, and back, third from right in flat cap Peter Richards as Robin Hood. Also in picture is their father. Fred Richards, back row in top hat.
Reader Dylis Martin, front, second from left, celebrating with friends in Havelock Road, Shrewsburyplaceholder image
Reader Dylis Martin, front, second from left, celebrating with friends in Havelock Road, Shrewsbury

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