Darlington remembered those who gave their lives and were injured in the Second World War, 80 years since VE Day.
Crowds gathered outside the town hall to pay their respects during a flag-raising ceremony led by the Deputy Mayor of Darlington Borough Council, Councillor Sonia Kane.
Cllr Kane gave a moving speech on the significance of the day, before the flag was raised. A speech, given by John Blowes of the 56th squadron on behalf of HM Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham Sue Snowdon, followed the flag-raising, then a moment of silence and a round of applause.
Councillor Stephen Harker, leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: "It is very important we remember today. Sadly, we are getting to a point where most of the people who fought in the conflict are no longer with us. There are very few people who can tell us their experiences firsthand, and as a nation, we risk forgetting.
"There was so much sacrifice in those six years, and we should never forget the lives that were lost. It is very important to remember those who lost their lives and those who were injured."
An emotional Cllr Kane said the turnout for the ceremony was brilliant. She added: "Today is a very important day. We have to remember those who died and those who suffered lifelong injuries so that we can have our freedom today.
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"But it is also a day of celebration because we won the war. We have to honour and remember all those who sacrificed their lives, because in ten years time, there will be very few people left who have memories of the war and can tell their stories.
"All we can do is remember them and remember their memories."
A two-minute silence will take place in Darlington at 11am, as well as the national two-minute silence at 12pm.
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