The VE Day street party was to reach across the generations

World War II veterans from the armed forces and those who served in the Home Guard, the Land Army and the WRVS were among the invited.

They were passing on their wartime experiences to youth groups also attending the party on Sunday.

It marked the anniversary of Victory in Europe, when Germany surrendered.

The VE Day events began a summer of commemorations throughout the UK which will continue until VJ Day on 15 August, the anniversary of the Japanese surrender.

This is the last major anniversary in which many of the war veterans, who are now in their 80s and 90s, will be able to participate.

Musical tribute

The day began at Chatham with a service of thanksgiving and a parade by veterans through the dockyard.

There was also a performance of Wish Me Luck, a live musical tribute to the 1940s, in which professional actors and signers told the story of World War II.

Sunday's events were part of a weekend of activities at the dockyard to mark the anniversary.

On Saturday evening, a "hangar dance" was held with big band music and food and drink reminiscent of the war years.