BUCKFAST Abbey joined other major landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and Big Ben by lighting up in red, white and blue to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

To commemorate the day, the historic abbey was lit up to symbolise the lights going back on after the backouts of wartime.

Buckfastleigh Royal British Legion joined in the occasion with its standard bearer Julia Rouncefield ‘at the going down of the sun’.

Earlier, members of the RBL Buckfastleigh and representatives of the town council were joined by a crowd of people of all ages gathered around the War Memorial at Holy Trinity in the sunshine.

Rev Gina Radford’s service reflected on life at that time and called for gratitude and peace.

Poppies at Buckfastleigh memorial. Photo Buckfastleigh RBL
Poppies at Buckfastleigh memorial. Photo Buckfastleigh RBL (mda )

A poignant single wreath was laid by vice chair of the Buckfastleigh Branch of the Royal British Legion, Peter Weedon, Julia Rouncefield paraded the standard and in the absence of Youth Standard Evie Cartwright due to school commitments, David Cair of Newton Abbot branch stepped in to carry the Union Standard.

Buckfastleigh's VE commemoration service.
Buckfastleigh's VE commemoration service. (mda )

Branch spokesman Emma Sosa Hernandez said: ’80 years ago Buckfastleigh like many of the areas towns and villages celebrated the end of WWII with street parties, 80 years on Buckfastleigh Rangers Social Club was the venue for last nights celebrations where a mountain of scones and cake were on offer and raffle held in aid of the Poppy Appeal.

Polly Grute aged 7 in a WWII jeep at Buckfastleigh. Photo Buckfastleigh RBL
Polly Grute aged 7 in a WWII jeep at Buckfastleigh. Photo Buckfastleigh RBL (MDA )

‘At the going down of the sun, Julia stood front and centre at Buckfast Abbey, a fitting end to Buckfastleigh’s day of tributes.

‘Even the poppies in the memorial garden at came out for the occasion.

‘With thanks to the Abbot and all at the Abbey for the opportunity to collaborate.’