Ashby's Mayor Graham Allman has written a tribute to mark the 75th Anniversary of VE Day - with the town's Bath Grounds celebrations cancelled due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Cllr Allman has told to the story of his father and wife, mayoress Charmainge's, who both served in World War Two.

The Mayor says it is a 'new menace' that has brought the country to a virtual standstill.

But he wrote some words to mark VE Day 75 on his Facebook page.

Cllr Allman posted: "The whole of the Britain should have been celebrating 75 years since the cessation of fighting WW2 in Europe against the menace of the Evil Axis of Germany (named after the Tripartite Pact 1940).

"'VE Day' - Victory Europe, on Friday 8th May, with massive celebrations taking place around our great country and locally on the Bath Grounds here in the quintessential English Market Town of Ashby de la Zouch organised by Ashby Town Council working closely with the Royal British Legion.

"However, the threat of a new menace, Covid19 has sadly necessitated these celebrations to be curtailed

"I am a long-standing member of the Royal British Legion, however I never experienced 'uniformed service'.

"However, my Father Gerald Allman served as a Pilot Engineer Chief Petty Officer, flying Swordfish aka "Stringbags" aircraft off Aircraft Carriers of the Royal Fleet Air Arm.

"The Mayoress Charmaigne's Father, Roy Taylor served in the Royal Navy as a Submariner Chief Petty Officer.

"Both brave handsome young men off to war to face an uncertain future and possible mortality.

"Both of our Mothers experienced the joy and traumas of wartime romances ending in marriage. Jane Coopar married Gerald with Roy marrying Grace Ward."

Cllr Allman finished by saying he still has his and his wife's medals displayed at home.

He said: "We honour our fathers with pride and all those brave men and women who took part in WW2 by displaying their hard-earned medals, still with their original ribbons, in a glass memorial case in our home for all who visit to see."