AS the nation prepares to commemorate VE Day, here is a picture from 70 years ago when some Atherton residents got together for their own celebrations.

The picture was taken in Car Bank Street,and is a treasured family picture of Mrs Patricia Birchall, nee Travers, who can be seen as a blonde-haired toddler sitting on her grandmother's knee on the second row, fourth from the right.

Although she cannot remember much about it, she thinks there must have been a street party. It was taken outside F Jameson's Car Bank Supper Bar, which Mrs Birchall says was a fish and chip shop, with William Hodson's butchers next door. Further along was Milners newsagents which is now a post office.

There was obviously a celebration as everyone is smiling and a couple of men on the back row are wearing paper a paper hat and a top hat.

Mrs Birchall's mother is standing behind her and her granny and he father is second left on the back row in his shirt and braces. her grandfather Peter who was the signal man at Atherton station is the smart looking chap in his waistcoat and with his watch chain, on the far right.

Mrs Birchall who is now 72 and who still lives in Atherton, went on to marry and had two daughters and two granddaughters.

She said: "Although I can't remember much about the picture, some of the children who were older will probably recall it."

She and residents of the area are invited to a free event hosted by Wigan Council at Haigh Woodland Park on Friday, May 8, when a beacon will be lit along with more than 100 others across the nation to commemorate VE Day.

The official lighting of the beacon at 9.32pm will be performed by the Mayor of Wigan Borough, Councillor Phyll Cullen with Second World War veterans and local cadets.

There will be musical entertainment, readings and the Last Post will be played. The event will be compered by the Reverend Canon Ray Hutchinson, the Rector of Wigan Parish Church.

It will take place on the grassed area near the Stables café close to Haigh Hall, starting at 8.30pm and will finish around 10 p.m.

Free car parking is available on the public car park and refreshments and will be available.