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Malcolm and Jean both lived in Leek during the war. They were 15-years-old when VE Day came and now they have been married for 64 years.

鈥淚t was announced on the radio and it was a very relieving day to see people enjoying themselves,鈥� says Malcolm.

Jean remembers that people rushed out into the streets shouting: 鈥渉ave you heard it!鈥� There was so much excitement.

They were surprised how immediate the celebrations were. The bells of the churches were finally allowed to be rung, there were bands playing and music could be heard. Everybody had something to say after a very quiet time.

There was a local celebration in Leek at the Nicholson war memorial. There was a gathering of families who joined hands in a circle. Gas lamps were re-lit on Derby Street but some side streets did not have their lights put on straight away.

Jean thinks that the people of Leek were lucky as they were a country town; cities would have had it much harder.

There was a huge party in Chorley Street and most streets had their own gatherings.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 think that we went to bed much, we were up very late which was unusual. Everybody had a great time.鈥�

There was lots of dancing, singing and games but people spent lots of time talking to each other, long into the night.

Image: VE Day in Leek

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