THE Devizes branch of the Royal British Legion has appealed to community groups throughout the area to get on board with arrangements to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in July.

The Government has decreed a joint celebration of Victory in Europe (VE) and Victory in Japan (VJ) Day, which will culminate in a countrywide day of commemoration on July 10.

A joint committee of Devizes RBL and the town council is currently trying to arrange an "awareness week", running from July 4 to 9, with a host of events involving everyone from schoolchildren to pensioners.

Veterans of the war, all members of the Royal British Legion, will visit schools in the area to tell schoolchildren what life was like when the country was under threat of invasion by the Nazis and what it was like to be a serving soldier. There will be displays of military equipment and regalia of the time and archive film shows.

There will be big events on July 4 to start the week and a major event on The Green on July 9. On July 10, there will be a outdoor service of thanksgiving in the Market Place.

Jim Thorpe, the RBL's parade marshall will be the co-ordinator.

Anyone with ideas on events or who would like to help is asked to call RBL chairman Jeff Matthews on (01380) 720377, secretary Bill Smith on (01380) 726415 or Mr Thorpe on (01380) 724746.