THE 75th anniversary of VE Day should be about ‘remembrance and education’ say veterans, as celebrations are planned across the county.

Basildon Council bosses have agreed to spend thousands on the Victory in Europe Day events, which will take place around the May bank holiday weekend.

Plans for a new 800-name war memorial in the town centre have also been agreed.

Don Sheppard, 99, from Basildon was a veteran from the D-Day Landings in June 1944.

He said: “We want to see a theme of remembrance for all the service men and women we lost in the war.

“It’s important we see as many war veterans as possible attend the events.

“It’s about celebration, remembrance and education.

“I’ve been to school to speak to children and pass on my experience with other veterans, as I didn’t know of conflicts growing up.

“I was made freeman of the borough last year and am hoping to attend the events this May.”

Around £13,000 will be spent for events at the George Hurd Centre Committee, Pitsea Activity Centre Committee and Laindon Activity Centre Committee.

It will also cover events in St Martin’s Square and Wickford High Street.

Gina Blackford, 60, treasurer of Basildon and Laindon Royal British Legion said: “It’s important to mark it to remember the events.

“I would have liked to see a big street party, but it seems it isn’t feasible.

“I will be involved in the town centre events, and we have a party on the Saturday with a Forties theme.

“I think most residents will be agreeing with me on the street party.”

There will be a main event on Friday May 8 in St. Martin’s Square, Basildon from noon.

Victory in Europe Day celebrates the formal acceptance by the Allied countries of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces on May 8 1945.