Penryn is to be transformed into a wartime town next month from the safety of people's homes in an event open to anyone in Cornwall and around the world.

A virtual VE Day - or V-VE Day - is taking place from 3pm on Friday, May 8 to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe, which heralded the end of the Second World War.

Is it being organised by the pair behind the first Doorstep Voices singing of Cornwall My Home last week, Rachel Gerred-Hart and Shelley Peters, with details being posted on their Voices of the Borough Facebook page.

Read more: Cornwall to link with countries around the world in mass sing of Cornish anthem

Rachel explained: "In days of war people couldn't travel, couldn't go see families, food was rationed, kids couldn't go out and play, there was limited access to doctors and medicines - it's not unlike our situation today.

"So get your scones, cucumber sandwiches, pork pies and Victoria sponges at the ready; put on an afternoon tea in the comfort of your own home and celebrate the end of the Second World War 75 years ago."

Matt Warfox Barringer, Penryn Royal British Legion's standard bearer, will kick off the event by sounding the Last Post, which will be followed by silence to pay respects to all those who lost their lives during the war.

It is then time for an afternoon of celebrations, with those taking part encouraged to dress in 1930s and 40s dress, or become a landgirl for the day, and even add masking tape to their windows for a truly wartime feel.

Children can get involved by making bunting to hang around the house or garden, and there were will be competitions for young and old.

Kids can make a gas mask box and then send in a picture, with the most likes received on Facebook winning a small prize.

Adults can get involved by baking a cake to a set recipe using war style ingredients, which will be posted in the run up, and then sending a photo of their creations.

Singers and musicians who would like to get involved and have a live slot on the Facebook page between 3pm and 5pm are encouraged to get in touch and it is hoped there will be a special guest to perform some war songs and lead a mass singsong to close the event.

Rachel added: "Please keep your tea party within the boundaries of your own households; rules of lockdown must be kept to.

"The point is to have empathy with those who have walked before us."

The pair have been busy planning the event for the last week before announcing it over the Easter weekend, and while it is being organised in Penryn it is open to anyone to take part.

Shelley said: "A lot of us have been disappointed that planned celebrations for the 75th anniversary for VE Day this year have had to be postponed so we thought that it would be great to have a virtual VE Day celebration: V-VE Day.

"We hope to have as many of you as possible join us to commemorate this historical occasion."