CROWDS gathered in the town centre yesterday to pay their respects to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice 80 years ago.

Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced the news that German troops had offered their unconditional surrender on May 8, 1945, just four days after Nazi leader Adolf Hitler died by suicide in his German bunker.

Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day, marked the end of conflict on the continent, but war would not end in Japan until August.

The announcement put an end to five years and eight months of conflict in Europe which caused more than one million British deaths as well as four years of rationing of food and clothing.

Communities around Barnsley celebrated the news and held street parties and decorated the streets with red, white and blue bunting.

VE Day and the day after were taken as general holidays and a large ‘V’ for victory was projected onto the front of the town hall in celebration.

In an address outside the town hall, the mayor at the time, Arthur Jepson, said: “On this day of historic significance the people of this town can feel with proud and joyful hearts that they have contributed with undiminishing fervour towards the attainment of this high pinnacle of glorious victory.

“It is now the earnest hope of us all that we are on the threshold of a lasting peace throughout the world.”

And 80 years on, residents have been celebrating again.

A special ceremony was held at the town hall to mark the celebration.

Coun Joe Hayward, who is Barnsley Council’s Armed Forces Champion, told the Chronicle that the day is about ‘saying thank you’ to those who fought in the war.

He added: “We’ve got to say it now because in a few years’ time the veterans won’t be here any more.

“We have to praise them for everything they did.”

The country was in lockdown during the 75th anniversary meaning any celebrations had to be held behind closed doors.

But that certainly hasn’t been the case this year, with dozens of events taking place throughout the week.

Coun Hayward added: “I’ve been to a lot of events this week.

“It’s been great all over Barnsley.

“The people of Barnsley are all really grateful for what happened.

“When we were in lockdown we weren’t able to do this.

“But now Barnsley’s really gone to down.

“It’s fantastic.”

Dan Jarvis, MP for Barnsley North, also paid his respects to those who died during the war.

He said: “We owe so much to the sacrifice of the Second World War generation, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom.

“The unity and purpose that generation showed remains inspirational.

“That, more than our differences, is what still defines us today.

“We will forever remember them, we will forever salute them, and we will forever be in their debt.”