PUPILS and staff of Knights Templar Community Church School, Watchet, held a day of celebration and remembrance to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Children were invited to wear red, white, and blue and they spent the morning participating in VE Day activities.

Teachers spoke to classes about the Second World War, touching on the war effort and tremendous casualties in a manner suitable for the varied ages.

Two historical re-enactors were in school throughout the morning and the children were able to see and touch a variety of weapons.

They particularly appreciated trying on the different helmets worn by each country.

Key stage two pupils went onto the school field just before lunch to observe a few weapons being fired, which brought home to staff how unimaginably noisy and chaotic the war would have been for those fighting for their country.

The children then enjoyed a street party-style lunch on the playground.

Tables were decorated in red, white, and blue and adorned with Union flags, which also fluttered from bunting strung around the field and flags were hung around the outside of the school.

While eating, music from the 1940s was played and a feeling of euphoria was palpable throughout the afternoon, which was spent on the field.

The 40s music continued to play and the children enjoyed a variety of traditional games.

Headteacher Laura Weaver said: “It was lovely to observe the children playing together across the year groups with school staff getting involved and joining in the laughter and fun.

“The day finished with everybody sitting on the field to eat slices of a beautiful Union flag cake, made by a local bakery.

Ms Weaver said the children were also gifted commemorative coins and pins by the school’s fund-raising committee.