In pictures: Bognor Regis leads the way as nation looks back on 80-years since VE Day

Taking place at 7.30pm, the beacon lighting marked 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe and, for many, was an opportunity for both celebration and remembrance.

Bognor Regis was just one of hundreds of communities across the UK, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man to take part in the ceremony, but had a special role to play, with long-serving town crier Jane Smith writing the VE Day proclamation used by other criers all over the country.

"80 years ago the United Kingdom and its allies from around the world celebrated victory in Europe, today as we commemorate what came to be known as VE Day, our thoughts turn to thanksgiving and remembrance,” Mrs Smiths proclamation reads.

"We remember those we lost, those who were wounded or starved, those whose lives were forever changed by war. Nobody was immune from the impact of that terrible conflict. Let us pause to remember their sacrifice. We reflect too on the words of our late Queen Elizabeth: ‘Never give up. Never despair.’ And so thanksgiving for the selflessness of those who gave up so much in order that future generations should enjoy the blessings of freedom, democracy and peace.”