I attended an event at Whitehawk Primary School on Friday, May 6, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of VE Day and remember those brave people, military and civilian, who lost their lives in the Second World War.

It was fitting for the school to have such an event as the area was the worst hit in Brighton during the war and suffered many casualties.

St Cuthman's Chruch nearby was bombed and a warden killed. A show was organised to raise funds for his widow and family which took place in Whitehawk Primary.

The teachers, staff and children organised a wonderful day, which was a great success. A huge marquee was erected to house everyone for a Forties-style tea party.

Other events involved the Royal British Legion members and veterans, who attended, complete with flags. A display of wartime military vehicles was also popular.

The Brighton College swing band was fabulous, as was the US Forties display team. The day also marked the opening of the school's wartime air-raid shelters, known as the "trenches", which were unveiled by Pat Drake, Mayor of Brighton and Hove, who laid the first wreath.

Each year was called out by the headmaster, suitably dressed in a mortar board, gown and carrying a cane, with more wreaths, which the children had made, and which were laid out.

Then, a short service was held, followed by some popular wartime songs. It was obvious the children had learned and enjoyed singing them.

There were a number of notable guests, including Patrick Kinna, Winston Churchill's wartime secretary, now in his nineties, and Mrs Jean Slattery, regional co-ordinator of the National Evacuees Society.

A large number of children and staff were dressed in period clothes and it was clear adults and children had gone to great lengths to participate in a truly magnificent day.

Sadly, although the local TV companies were invited, they said they were still too busy covering the General Election.

However, The Argus did attend and it was great to see it cover this wonderful event.

What a day for the children - a day I am sure they will never forget, when history came to visit them.

-David Rowland, Telscombe Cliffs, East Sussex