Veterans in Ceredigion are asking people to share pictures of themselves or family members as a way to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day in lockdown.

A host of street parties and other events had been planned throughout the county, but with lockdown in place, veterans have come up with another way to mark the occasion.

Colin R Jones MBE, Ceredigion Armed Forces Hub Peer Mentor, is encouraging local families to dig out photographs of their family members and share them on Facebook to show their respects for their service during the Second World War and beyond.

Mr Jones said: “Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic Penparcau Community Hub has had to cancel our planned VE (Victory in Europe) and VJ (Victory in Japan) Day street party celebrations.

“However we are still determined to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day on Friday, 8 May and we ask that the community post a photo of any of their loved ones who has served our country be it grandparents, mum or dad, spouses or uncles or aunties, please send in a photo of them in uniform with a message of support for all those veterans celebrating the 75th anniversary of VE and VJ Day.

“This we feel should be shared with the whole of the Ceredigion community so please feel free to show your appreciation and support in honour of our World War Two heroes.

”On behalf of Ceredigion’s Armed Forces community, we would like to take this opportunity on the 75th anniversary of VE Day – or Victory in Europe Day – to thank all our World War Two veterans for their outstanding service that they all provided during our nation’s darkest hour of need. Many made the ultimate sacrifice; many have now passed on, but those who are still with us ‘thank you’.”

• Share your photographs and stories with the group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/643583642774170/