Sixty years ago, Pembrokeshire celebrated VE Day, the end of World War Two in Europe. And on Sunday, people around the county came together again, to mark the anniversary.

Local veterans of the War took part on Sunday in a special service of celebration of Victory in Europe Day and thanksgiving for those who gave so much for freedom.

Held at Goodwick Parrog, the event was organised by the Fishguard and Goodwick branch of the Royal British Legion, the moving service was conducted by chaplain Rev Brian Barnes. It included a parade of standards, the sounding of the Last Post and Reveille, the pronouncement of the Exhortation and the Kohima Epitaph and other readings.

Pictured above at The Parrog are, Front row left to right: Bryn Colnett, Marion Evans, Dick Morley, Joe Boardman, Cyril Evans, Jack Brindle and Joan Westmacott.

Back row: Brian Blake, Dai James, Denzil Watts, Lloyd Evans, Huw Williams, Peter Davies, Rev Brian Barnes, Leslie Evans, Henry Farwell (US Airforce), Philip Morgan and Nigel Codd. VE Day celebrations also took place at Llain Las, Fishguard, with a street party and ceremony with the sea cadets.

As Pembrokeshire celebrated VE Day, church bells pealed, flags, buntings and multi-coloured lights went up, victory parades, street parties, and dances were held, pubs filled to overflowing and VE Day licence extensions were granted.

Bonfires were lit around the county and it was a special moment for Army Drummer E. W. Clark, when he ignited one of the bonfires in Haverfordwest. Only the week before, he had returned to his native City Road after five years in a German Prison Camp and he was given an uproarious welcome.

An effigy of Hitler was burnt on many bonfires and there was great cheering as the infamous figure went up in flames.

At Withybush Airfield, the RAF sent up hundreds of flares, for so long used for more serious purposes.

Before dark, an RAF Halifax bomber came roaring low over the town in a victory salute. At night, cinemas were crowded and large numbers thronged Haverford-west's St Thomas Green to enjoy all the fun of the fair, the first such event to have been held in six long years.

The young and not-so-young joined in the general gaiety and RAF pilots, Flight Lieutenants and even Squadron Leaders, whose medals spoke of stern tasks achieved, now rode the horses in 'wizard' style.

The late Milford Haven reporter Ethel Clarke, recording the events in her home town, said: "There was a stirring and sentimental moment when Milford air raid sirens sounded the very last 'all clear' and the song of that title was emotionally sung by thousands of revellers.

"The thoughts of all in Milford Haven had been with those still fighting in the Pacific theatre and those who will never return to celebrate the victory they died for."

And all Pembrokeshire men and women who lost their lives during those war years were remembered by packed congregations at thanksgiving services in churches and chapels around the county.

VE Day celebrations in Neyland got under way with a service at Bethesda Baptist Church featuring Neyland Ladies Choir, which later led a sing-along of wartime old favourites at a reception at Neyland Athletic Club.

There was also a parade headed by Milford Haven Town Band and a wreath-laying ceremony featuring eight local veterans led by 80-year-old former Paratrooper, Councillor Fred Knapp, who took part in the Arnhem attack.

Personnel from the 14th Signals Regiment at Brawdy also took part in the parade. The Ladies Choir will be singing again at Zion Chapel on Sunday evening.

Young musicians of Pembrokeshire were on display at the County Show Pavilion at Withybush on Friday evening, when the Pembrokeshire Schools Jazz Band and the County Brass Ensemble played at the Haverfordwest Lions VE Celebration Party.

There were standing ovations and encores for the youngsters, whose instrumental and vocal soloists and groups delighted a large audience, many of them dressed in 1940s style. Bangers and mash and roly-poly pudding were on the menu and prizes were presented by Mayor, Councillor Barbara Shone for the most authentic costumes.

Those who remember VE Day wallowed in nostalgia, dancing to the familiar Glenn Miller and Andrews Sisters tunes.