DUNKIRK veteran Arthur Taylor was among those commemorating the 70th anniversary of VE Day in Bournemouth yesterday.

Proudly displaying his many medals, the 94-year-old, who lives in Christchurch, joined a procession from the town hall to the nearby war memorial.

He was among veterans and dignitaries who watched as Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Chris Mayne, laid a wreath in honour of the fallen.

See pictures of how Bournemouth and Christchurch marked the 70th anniversary of VE Day 

They included re-elected Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood, council leader Cllr John Beesley, serving councillors and senior council officers.

Passers-by gathered round and all fell silent as the Last Post was played and a two-minute silence observed.

The ceremony started with prayers and also included poems.

One of Mr Taylor's five sons, Stephen, said: "He is proud to be at events like this. Later this month he is off to Dunkirk for celebrations there."

In Poole Park, residents gathered at the war memorial to join the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Peter Adams, and his wife, Brenda, as they laid a wreath in memory of those who had lost their lives in World War Two.

Representatives from the Royal British Legion and the Society of Poole Men also attended the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving.

Over in Christchurch, the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Denise Jones, was joined by Canon Charles Stewart, the new priest who joined Christchurch Priory in January and members of the Christchurch branch of the Royal British Legion.

Gerry Nunn, the club's chairman, said after the ceremony: "It was a nice mixture of people who were actually serving during the Second World War, those who were children and teenagers at the time and people who wanted to reflect on the day.

"We want to ensure that what happened on this date is passed on to future generations, particularly as this year marks 70 years. A lot of our veterans know that each year they can be here to mark VE Day is precious to them."

Mr Nunn said that this is why the Royal British Legion created such a strong focus on remembering Victory in Europe Day.

On Friday night, a beacon will lit on the cliff top at Fisherman's Walk and another at Durlston Country Park in Swanage to light up the sky as two of 100 locations chosen to host the special event simultaneously across the country.