COPELAND is encouraging residents to take part in VJ Day 2020 despite commemorations being cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The borough council has asked the public to mark Victory over Japan Daythis Saturday.

It will be the 75th anniversary of the event in 1945 which effectively brought an end to the Second World War.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Although the borough’s planned events can no longer go ahead, we are encouraging people to celebrate and to remember, either at home or socially distanced, outside.”

Activity ideas and resources are available on the vjday75.gov website including bunting, recipes and posters to hold celebrations from home.

The Royal British Legion is asking the public to share their stories or messages of thanks to those who served on their interactive map.

Families with a relative who served in either of the world wars are being asked to submit an image and message of thanks to be displayed on the Commonwealth War Graves’ Commission’s digital wall of remembrance.

Historic England is also asking the public to contribute stories and images from their list of places that harbour wartime histories. VE to VJ Day: 75 Places that Witnessed the War aims to create a picture of the places effected by wartime.

The stories of those who served and their memories of the conflict are available on the VJ Day website as well as a list of broadcasts in the run up to the anniversary.

Families in Copeland can share their celebrations and thank you messages via #VJDay75