SCHOOLS and nurseries in West Somerset’s Beacon Education Trust each held commemorations for VE Day’s 80th anniversary.

Street parties, tea parties, picnics, sports days, and dancing mirroring the events of May 8, 1945, were organised.

Old Cleeve First School pupils made hats, flags, and bunting, while Minehead First School youngsters focused on events which happened at Buckingham Palace on the day the Second World War ended.

There were periods of reflection, with each school taking part in the national two-minute silence at noon.

The moment of silence followed assemblies and formal worships, which in Minehead Middle School were led by humanities head Rebecca Orpin, who introduced pupils to three visitors, local historian Geoff Lloyd and military veterans Eddie Hill and Tony Gardener.

Mr Lloyd spoke about local men who had lost their lives during the war, including Philip Floyd, who went to Minehead County School, now the middle school, and would have sat in the same hall as the students.

Having a connection with the school made the story of Mr Floyd even more poignant as the children learned of his bravery and skill as pilot which saw all but one of his crew saved as his aircraft was shot down.

Students also used plastic bottles to create their own poppy installation which was then planted under willow trees on the school field under the guidance of head of art Michelle James and design and technology technician Richard Forman.

Headteacher Laura Mackie said: “We know as a community how important it is to provide moments of celebration alongside remembrance and come together to honour those who contributed to our freedom and create lasting memories for our students.”

After sharing childhood wartime memories in the middle school, Mr Hill, an ex-RAF serviceman, and Mr Gardener visited St Michael’s First School, Minehead, where they shared their own medals and memorabilia with the children.

Danesfield School, Williton, was visited by local Army Cadet Force members who showed students some of the survival skills needed by soldiers, including shelter building, camouflage techniques, and emergency medical care in the field.

Personal and family stories were also shared by staff in St Peter’s First School, Williton, alongside wartime memorabilia, including medals, an RAF pin badge, a vintage rifle, and the sound of an air raid siren.

The youngsters took part in a number of creative activities, including storytelling using War Horse, by Michael Morpurgo, creating propaganda posters, and building salt dough air raid shelters to help bring history to life.

St Peter’s headteacher Maida White said: “It is essential children have a connection to their heritage and understand the sacrifices made by previous generations.

“Events like this are a powerful way to make history feel real, allowing children to engage with the past and draw meaningful connections to the present day.”

Beacon interim chief executive Trudy Danby said: “Tremendous thanks go to all our staff and children across our schools and nurseries for making our VE Day celebrations so special.

“Their enthusiasm, creativity, and spirit truly brought history to life.”