VILLAGERS recreated wartime community spirit at a garden party to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

The party, followed by an evening concert, was staged at St Mary's Church, in West Rainton, near Durham, the latest in a series of commemorative community events capturing the mood of 1945.

A steady stream of people visited a marquee, bedecked in union flags and bunting, in the grounds of the parish church, to enjoy a tea or coffee, with jam and scones, and strawberries and cream.

A piper performed during the afternoon, while older members of the community swapped stories of their wartime experiences.

It was the second of ten events being staged through the year, overseen by the West Rainton and Leamside Community Association, backed by a Home Front Recall grant from the Big Lottery Fund.

Association vice-chairman Lesley King said: "There was a good cross-section of the community there and it was a really pleasant atmosphere.

"It was very well-attended, and they were even queuing at one point.

"The idea was for people to get together and hark back to the end of the war, but it wasn't just for the older people, younger ones enjoyed it as well."

Next on the agenda is a wartime food-tasting, in the Jubilee Hall, on Saturda,y July 9, from 10am to 2pm, with a commemorative service, followed by refreshments, at the church, on Sunday July 10, at 10.45am.

Further information about forthcoming events in the wartime series is available from Mrs King, on 0191-584 1206.