MEMORIES and music were the order of the day as towns and villages across Suffolk joined the nation in marking the 60th anniversary of VE Day.Young and old turned out at parades, parties and dances across Suffolk to remember the day peace was declared in Europe.

MEMORIES and music were the order of the day as towns and villages across Suffolk joined the nation in marking the 60th anniversary of VE Day.

Young and old turned out at parades, parties and dances across Suffolk to remember the day peace was declared in Europe.

One of the biggest events in the area was held at Martlesham Heath Aviation Society's control tower museum.

Costumed characters joined the crowds which filled the museum and its grounds, browsing the many exhibits while the sounds of 1940s music filled the air.

Bob Dunnett, vice-chairman of the society, said: "My memories of VE day are sketchy as I was only nine, but I do remember having my first taste of beer in the pub at Little Bealings.

"The whole village had turned out to celebrate and the atmosphere was wonderful.

"Today's been a brilliant day and I'm very pleased that so many people turned out to mark the occasion."

The highlight of the afternoon was a flypast by a Russian Yak 52 and a two-seater spitfire.

Meanwhile in Sproughton, villagers gathered at the Tithe Barn for a commemorative tea dance and wartime sing-song organised by the friends of All Saints church and the parish council.

Among the revellers was 95-year-old Molly Crouch. She said: "This certainly brings back a lot of memories. It's lovely to see that people from every generation are here."

Meanwhile at pubs across the region VE Day parties were in full swing.

At the Grinning Rat pub in St Helen's Street staff were dressed in 1940s costumes while punters enjoyed a day of wartime fun and games.

Elsewhere in the county a series of Royal British Legion parades took place including those in Hadleigh and Haverhill.

braving the unpredictable weather.

while a band played 1940s music