Hundreds of people have attended memorial events across Thurrock to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
The commemorations yesterday began with a flag raising at the Town Hall in Grays, followed by a service at the Grays War Memorial, organised by Grays Royal British Legion.
A two-minute silence was then held at 11am. Tilbury Royal British Legion also held a service at the Tilbury Memorial.
The Grays ceremony was attended by John Kent, the leader of Thurrock Council, Jen Craft, MP for Thurrock, James McMurdock, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, councillor Kairen Raper, mayor of Thurrock, and primary school children who are part of the T100 Young Ambassadors.
Councillor John Kent said: "Thurrock and its citizens played a full part in the Second World War, from the many local men and women who signed up to serve, to our docks which helped prepare boats and equipment for D-Day to the families who endured years of Luftwaffe bombs.
"Eighty years on, it is still important that we remember the sacrifices they made so that we could enjoy freedom and democracy."
After the ceremony, the T100 Young Ambassadors led a short walk around Grays, highlighting local stories from the war.
The children were then invited to join the mayor at the Town Hall for a tea party.
Jen Craft MP said: "On the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we remember and pay tribute to those who sacrificed so much to defend our nation and our freedom, both in the armed forces and on the home front.
"It is a time for us to come together as a community to reflect on the extraordinary bravery of the wartime generation, in Thurrock and across the country, and celebrate the British values they fought to defend."
James McMurdock MP added: "I'm honoured to join the people of Thurrock in commemorating VE Day alongside the council.
"This day reminds us of the immense bravery and sacrifice made by a generation to secure our freedom."
In the afternoon, a VE Day celebration, complete with music, dancing, cakes and tea, was held at the Tilbury Riverside Railway Station, London International Cruise Terminal.
At 9.30pm, the beacons in Thurrock were lit, joining flaming beacons around the UK marking the anniversary.
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