CELEBRATIONS to mark the 60th anniversary of the ending of the Second World War are being planned on a grand scale in Newbridge.

The town is planning events to rival those of 60 years ago, on July 8 and 9. The celebrations will centre around the Memorial Hall, which has been given a new lease of life since it was featured in BBC2's Restoration programme last year.

Although it narrowly lost out on the £3 million first prize, it is now used almost every night of the week for community events.

And a group of local people are now busy working on ambitious plans for the anniversary.

These include Royal British Legion president Bill Pinney, who is himself a veteran of the war, Friends of the Memo chairman Howard Stone and Rotary president Terry Powell.

The events will include: a parade starting at Newbridge Comprehensive and ending with a service at the cenotaph attended by as many local veterans as possible from surrounding areas

an exhibition at the Memo of Newbridge and district at war. Royal British Legion chaplain Brian Evans is now appealing for public help with the events.

He wants information about local veterans who would wish to take part in the parade and if they need transport.

He is also appealing for suitable vehicles to transport around 30 veterans to the cenotaph - although he stresses this would have to be voluntary as there is no budget.

He would also like anyone in the area who may have wartime photographs or memorabilia to contact him.

"I would be especially interested in making one section a Roll of Honour - photos of those who made the supreme sacrifice," he added. Anyone who can help in any way should contact him on 01495 244320.