Friday will mark 75 years since Nazi Germany surrendered in the Second World War.

Victory in Europe, or VE Day, is celebrated by many countries as the end of WWII, despite the war with Japan continuing until September 2, 1945.

Social distancing rules mean street parties and other events can’t take place, but there are still a variety of ways to mark the special day.

Leader of Bolton Council David Greenhalgh backed a social media campaign for residents to decorate their homes for lockdown ‘street parties’.

Cllr Greenhalgh said: “We may be in lockdown, but we are a proud and patriotic nation, so let’s mark this great day by turning our borough red, white and blue.

"Pubs may not be open but I know they would have led the way in decorating their frontages.

"So I call on landlords, businesses, and each and every resident, let’s get what bunting we have out, let’s dress up, and let’s fly our union flag.”

English Heritage and the council have templates for bunting to print out and stick in your windows or posters for your little ones to colour in on their websites.

Families in the same household are also being called on to have picnics or buffets to mark the occasion.

Bruno Peek, Pageant Master of VE Day 75, has also called upon the nation to raise a drink of their choice at 3pm on Friday to unite in honouring those who “gave so much to ensure that we enjoy the freedom we have today”.

Bolton Library are hosting a horde of fun activities to mark the day, with the chance for some accounts to be admitted into the archives for future generations.

You can add the names of your military ancestors from Bolton to the virtual memorial on Thursday, and follow a blog about the town's original celebrations on Friday.

The Royal Mint has also released a special £2 coin available to buy online for avid collectors looking to mark the occasion.

Don't forget to pick up your copy of The Bolton News on Friday to see our eight-page VE Day supplement.