Helsby Parish Council has agreed to purchase a Tommy figure in celebration of VE Day on 8 May 2021.

The figure, which will be on display at St Paul's Church war memorial, will stand alongside the wicker soldier that helped mark 2020's socially-distanced VE and Remembrance Days.

With last year's VE Day being the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, the Helsby community had planned a parade through the village, complete with marching band, vintage cars and floats.

Stalls and entertainment were to be held at the Community Playing Fields, where everyone would be encouraged to raise a toast to the heroes of World War Two at 3pm, the time at which Churchill declared the conflict to be over.

These plans were all scuppered by the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic, but Helsby residents still managed to find a Covid-secure way of marking the day.

With bunting adorning houses across the village and the sun shining, people celebrated Victory in Europe through socially-distanced street parties, complete with cakes, sandwiches and a beautiful rendition of Vera Lynn's 'The White Cliffs of Dover'.

Restrictions on social contact will still be in place on May 8 this year, but with the rule of six in place and outdoor hospitality open for business, it is safe to say that the community of Helsby – and Frodsham – will find a way to celebrate in style!