VILLAGERS in neighbouring communities are staging events to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Backed by the Big Lottery Fund, the West Rainton and Leamside Community Partnership has co-ordinated a seven-month programme of commemorative activities in the adjoining villages, near Durham.

It began with a 1940s camp and Queen's birthday party, in the grounds of West Rainton Primary School, on Saturday.

Lesley King, vice-chairman of the partnership, said: "It's fantastic that people have joined together to organise these activities.

"Those of us in the partnership wanted to do something to remember the effort and sacrifice of people who lived during the Second World War.

"Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the start of peace seemed very appropriate."

Next on the agenda is a garden party, in the grounds of St Mary's Church, at 2.30pm, followed by a concert, in the church, at 7.30pm, on Saturday, June 25.

There is a wartime food tasting event, in Jubilee Hall, on Saturday, July 9, from 10am to 2pm, and a commemorative service, at St Mary's Church, the next day, at 10.45am.

An exhibition of wedding gowns of yesteryear will be staged at the church, from July 15 to 17.

There will also be a reconstruction of a wartime wedding, at the church, and the opening of a wartime memories archive, at the primary school, both on Friday, July 15.

Later in the year, a flower festival and concert will take place at the church, from September 16 to 18, with a 1940s Big Band Dance to be held in Jubilee Hall, on October 15.

A Remembrance Day Service will be held at the church, on November 13, and the programme is completed with a 1940s Christmas Party for the over-60s, in Jubilee Hall, on December 17.

All the events, other than the concert and big band dance, are free.

For more details, call Mrs King, on 0191-584 1206.