On the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we reflect on not only celebrating the anniversary of the end of war in Europe, but the remembrance of the selfless sacrifices given to give us our freedom.

Seaham's famous Tommy statue, officially known as Eleven 'O' One, refers to the first minute of peace after the armistice agreement on November 11th 1918. Despite being erected to commemorate the centenary of the beginning of World War One, the word 'Tommies' describes British soldiers from both the first and second World War.

HMS Seaham was commissioned and funded by the people of Seaham during World War Two. It had large involvement in clearing shipping lines before the D-Day landing in 1944. Just three years after sailing, HMS Seaham had steamed around the whole continent of Africa and swept up a large number of mines.

The war effort went beyond just the frontlines. Pupils from Seaham Intermediate Girls School made clothes for the war effort in 1942 - residents obscured their lights to protect themselves and their neighbours from air raids.

Victims of air raids were also multiple in the town - Princess Road Cemetery details the names of 58 civilians killed in six different bombing raids, some victims aged just one.

We will always remember them.

For more information on Seaham's war effort, visit www.seahampast.co.uk

The Royal British Legion also support service men & women, including veterans & their families since their establishment in 1921.