A VE Day street party was held at Newhaven Fort

The East Sussex venue was decked out with bunting and flags to recreate a typical street party from 1945.

In West Sussex, World War II veterans were among 500 people at a service and parade at Chichester Cathedral.

Sunday's events marked the anniversary of Victory in Europe, when Germany surrendered to the World War II Allies.

A girl walked up and threw her arms around me, like they always did seeing a soldier Frank Rosier

They began a summer of commemorations which are set to continue until VJ Day on 15 August, the anniversary of the Japanese surrender.

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

Many veterans of campaigns in Italy and Normandy were among the congregation at Chichester Cathedral.

Members of the Italy Star Association were combining the service with a weekend holiday at Bracklesham Bay, West Sussex.

Maurice Cheadle, 87, from Dorset, said: "This is an important year for us to get together as it could be the last time, but we seem to have been saying that for a number of years."

Schoolchildren invited

Frank Rosier, from Hampshire, a member of the Normandy Veterans' Association, was also taking part in the Chichester commemoration.

He remembered VE Day 60 years ago: "It was an exciting time.

"A girl walked up and threw her arms around me, like they always did seeing a soldier," he said.

Veterans from organisations including the Royal British Legion and Women's Land Army as well as local residents who spent the war on the Home Front, attended the party at Newhaven Fort.