Thousands of veterans across Sussex will gather together to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Sunday marks the defeat of Hitler's Germany which signified the end of the war in Europe that lasted six years.

Sixty years ago, street parties and celebrations followed the radio announcement the war was over on May 8, 1945.

The major anniversary celebrations this year will take place on July 10 to mark both Victory in Europe (VE) Day on May 8 and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on August 15.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "There are going to be smaller wreath-laying services on both VE Day and VJ Day but in order to make the most of resources it was decided there would be a single day for the major commemoration activities. This was agreed with other Government departments and organ-isations representing veterans, such as the Royal British Legion.

"We had to choose a time when families and their children were most likely to be able to attend the commemorative event and experience it for themselves."

A concert at Eastbourne Bandstand, Grand Parade, will take place on Sunday at 3pm.

The Johnny Spice Swing Orchestra and singers will perform tunes made famous by Glen Miller, Dame Vera Lynn and other Forties musicians and singers.

Johnny, himself a Normandy veteran and still a great player at the age of 82, was seen by many when he played his saxophone to the crowds at Arromanches during the D-Day celebrations last June. Medals will be worn by some veterans and there will be a solemn pause during the afternoon to remember those who did not return.

Pupils at Whitehawk Primary School, Brighton, will mark the anniversary of VE day in style today.

Pupils, teachers and guests will be in Forties dress for the occasion and sit down to a war-time tea of Spam sandwiches and other food from the era.

An air raid shelter in the school grounds will enable today's youngsters to gain a vivid impression of what life was like for children at the school during the Second World War.

The shelter, which provided protection for hundreds of children and staff during air raids, has been restored and will now house a permanent exhibition about the war.

The school has been working closely with war veterans, former pupils and other local people to put together the exhibition which, after the opening day, will be available for other schools and the community to visit.

The air raid shelter will be officially opened by Brighton and Hove Mayor Pat Drake who will unveil a plaque in memory of those who died in the service of their country.

Guests will include residents, pupils who attended the school during the war, members of the Royal British Legion, and Patrick Kinna, former wartime secretary to Winston Churchill.

Headteacher Peter Glue said: "The day is all about bringing history to life for the children. They have been fascinated learning about the Second World War, talking to people who lived through the war, and researching information for the exhibition.

Mr Glue said: "Visiting the air raid shelter helps the children to imagine what life was like here for pupils in the past and it really brings home to them how the war affected everyone, including children."

Hove Park School is holding a celebration on May 19 for history students in Years 9 and 10 and some sixth formers. Veterans, parents and staff will also attend, giving students the chance to chat informally with veterans.

The event will give youngsters at the school the opportunity to thank the generation who lived, died and grew up during the Second World War and celebrate Europe now. Entertainment will be provided with a Year 10 group jitterbugging to get the party off with a swing.

A VE Day commemoration party will take place in at Weald Hall, Uckfield Civic Centre, on Saturday, May 14, from 8pm until midnight.

The party will be a themed disco with a raffle, bar and light snacks, and money raised will go to the Royal British Legion. Tickets cost £5 each from the council offices.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Lewes Rod and Yvonne Crocker will attend a ceremony for VE Day at the War Memorial, Lewes High Street, on Sunday at 3pm.

Wreaths will be laid by the Royal Artillery, the Naval Association, the police, the fire brigade, the Royal Air Forces Association and the Royal British Legion.

Jeremy Lillies, head of public affairs at the Royal British Legion, said: "The Legion is very much involved in the events on July 10 both in London and in the regions."

For more information on VE Day events in your area on both May 8 and July 10, visit www.veteransagency.mod.uk.