A FLAG day at Bourne End Community Association provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate the community's Second World War heroes in the 60th anniversary year of VE and VJ days.

Volunteers collected more than £300 on Saturday from shaking their cans in Bourne End Parade.

The money raised will go towards the publication of the charity's monthly community journal, Target Magazine, and in previous years has been put towards the maintenance and improvement of the community centre in Wakeman Road.

In return for their pennies, visitors were invited to wander through the centre and admire a Second World War exhibition, including memorabilia donated by people living in and around the village.

The displays highlighted typical wartime activities and included original gas masks, details of food rationing and some wartime recipes provided by Orchard House residents.

Traditional wartime music played softly in the background while on stage a group called Bassically Saxes entertained visitors in the hall.

The hall was decked out with a stunning backdrop from the Forum Players' Village Entertainment production, staged in spring, depicting a scene of St Paul's Cathedral in London during the bombings.