A two-minute silence was observed at the war memorial in Newtown to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

Only a limited number of people were allowed at the war memorial gardens on New Road as part of social distancing rules.

Newtown Mayor, Cllr David Selby, Reverend Canon Nia Wyn Morris, Arfon Williams and two buglers from Newtown Silver Band observed the two-minute silence at 11am on Friday (May 8).

Cllr Selby said he was "honoured" to join the small gathering, and that it "gave us the opportunity to remember those who were not able to be at VE Day celebrations".

Two buglers played The Last Post and the Reveille, while Mr Williams recited the exhortation, and Rev. Canon Nia Wyn Morris said a prayer.

Arfon Williams described the two-minute silence as a "moving experience".

He said: "It was significant because this was the day that gave us our freedom".

County Times: Mayor of Newtown, Cllr David Selby, Reverend Canon Nia Wyn Morris and Arfon Williams. Picture: Rob Davies/Beed ImagesMayor of Newtown, Cllr David Selby, Reverend Canon Nia Wyn Morris and Arfon Williams. Picture: Rob Davies/Beed Images

Rev. Canon Nia Wyn Morris said: "It wasn't planned. My heart said I should be there for the community. There was around four people there, and it was beautiful, but everybody kept their distance".

Victory in Europe Day marks the day in 1945 when Britain and its allies accepted the surrender of Nazi Germany, bringing the war in Europe to an end.