This year marks 80 years since VE Day in May 1945 and VJ Day in August 1945.

The sacrifices made over the six years of war were great. The total number of allied deaths, injuries and captures exceeds millions, and thousands of civilians lost their lives at home.

It was therefore fitting that the country erupted in celebration when it was over, with huge crowds gathering outside, and spontaneous street parties taking place across the nation.

Even our late Queen Elizabeth II crept out of the palace with Princess Margaret to join the British people in their celebrations.

In Barnsley, clippings from the Barnsley Chronicle show that there were widely attended services of thanksgiving in places of worship throughout VE Day.

Without the huge effort and sacrifice made by the Allied Forces from Britain, the Commonwealth and beyond, the way of life we enjoy today, and the values we hold dear, would not have been possible.

Each of us, in every community, has a connection to those who served in the Second World War. Those servicemen, who were called up and asked to risk their lives for our freedoms, are not strangers. They are our parents, grandparents, and the ancestors of our neighbours.

I have always been proud of my grandad, who served in the RAF.

I know the country feels equally proud of every veteran who risked, and often tragically paid, the ultimate sacrifice as part of that terrible conflict.

On the Home Front, children were evacuated, women stepped into essential roles, and of course, the Bevin Boys, many from Barnsley, carried on down the pit to power the war effort.

That is why each year, across the country and here in Barnsley, we are eager to remember those who gave their lives for our futures.

As time passes, however, and we approach 80 years between life today and the end of the Second World War, the living memory of those who experienced the war fades further into history.

This year’s commemorations of VE Day may well be the last where veterans who contributed directly to the victory can be in attendance. It is up to us to keep their stories alive.

As the minister responsible for commemorating VE and VJ Day, I have been proud to announce the measures the government will take to mark the 80th Anniversary in 2025.

I’ve been pleased to work with the Royal British Legion, charities and other organisations to work on the national programme of events, which will include a service at Westminster Abbey and a special VE Day concert delivered by the BBC.

In Barnsley, we are incredibly proud of our town and of our rich history. Across the country, we want communities to be involved as much as possible, taking the opportunity to tell their own local stories.

We are launching Tip Top Towns, a call to action for community and volunteering groups to come together to get their town or village ready for the day, whether that be bunting, litter picking, or crocheting bonnets for letterboxes.

We are launching the Letters To Loved Ones initiative, which will encourage parents, grandparents and family members to dig into their own family histories, find stories from the war, and share them at www.ve-vjday80.gov.uk.

In order to ensure young people are engaged with veteran testimony and experiences, we are also announcing ‘Our Shared Story’ to encourage young people to engage with veteran testimonies and experiences throughout the year of VE80.

Many people in Barnsley and across the country were prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for our futures, and we should never forget what they went through in the pursuit of lasting peace.

As a community, we in Barnsley are big supporters of the Armed Forces, and I encourage everyone who can to get involved with the celebrations, especially on the bank holiday on May 5 for the Great British Food Festival - have a street party, Big Lunch, or even a community BBQ.

I am proud that this Labour government have announced a number of celebrations to mark 80 years since VE and VJ Day, and I am looking forward to the country coming together to honour veterans and reflect on the freedom and values that the Second World War generation fought so hard to protect.