Measham is the proud owner of the first VE Day 75th anniversary commemorative bench to roll off the production line of a prestigious Scottish outdoor memorial furniture manufacturer.

But, due to the current coronavirus conditions it may be some time before the decorative bench can take its place outside the entrance to Bosworth Road war memorial garden.

The steel bench design features the image of hands and hats being thrown into the air in celebration, Winston Churchill's iconic V for Victory hand gesture and the Union Flag.

Measham Parish Council clerk Dawn Roach told Ashby Nub News: "Sadly, the bench is locked away until social distancing restrictions are lifted and it can be installed and enjoyed.

"We ordered it quite a while ago from David Ogilvie Engineering, when the company didn't have any benches to commemorate VE Day.

"So one was specially designed for us and then used as the blueprint for other orders.

"The bench will complement another we purchased from the company for the First World War Centenary and join it to sit on the other side of the entrance to the war memorial garden."

The parish council had also planned an afternoon of family entertainment and stalls at the village leisure centre to mark this year's special anniversary.

Parish council Chairman Colin Manifold said: "Due to the strange circumstances we find ourselves in, we at the parish council are unable to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day as we would have liked.

"However, the war memorial garden will be open for quiet reflection on the day and to leave any memento if anyone wishes - social distancing to be respected obviously - to remember all those that lost their life so that we could have the life we have now, albeit a little strange because of the restrictions in place to keep us all safe."

The parish council is considering the possibility of combining the cancelled VE Day events with a celebration to mark the leisure centre's 20th birthday this year.

It is also encouraging villagers to celebrate at home - such as hanging out bunting and holding a tea party - while continuing to follow social distancing guidelines.

There are also national events tomorrow (Fri) including a two-minute silence at 11am, the 'Nations Toast to the Heroes of World War 2' at 3pm and a televised pre-recorded address by The Queen at 9pm to be followed by a national sing-along of wartime favourite Dame Vera Lynn's We'll Meet Again.

"We are sorry that we can not share this day with everyone in the village.

"Hopefully one day soon the sun will shine and we will be with all our family and friends once again," added Cllr Manifold.