IF it wasn’t for the coronavirus crisis, the Isle of Wight would be planning all sorts of events to mark the seventy-fifth anniversary of VE Day, on the bank holiday of May 8.

These are not normal times, and the County Press wants to make sure we don't forget the heroes of then...and those of today.

We are putting together a Virtual VE Day 'Street' Party...all in the confines of your own home.

In today's paper, you'll find this invitation to join us.

On the day, why not take a picture with your invitation and send it to us so we can share it with the Island?

Isle of Wight County Press:

Whether you put on a little family party in the garden, on your balcony, or just you in the dining room, we want you all to be part of it.

We will be running a live blog on our website, sharing your pictures and your thoughts.

The following week's County Press (May 15) will carry pages of pictures of your celebrations.

We want our NHS and care sector heroes to be a big part of it and we are aiming to bring you some musical performances from Island musicians to give it the real Street Party spirit.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Mark King from Level 42, has agreed to join in, as has Lucid's Ollie Ducie and we are speaking to other performers too.

County Press editor, Alan Marriott, said: "We want the whole Island to come together (socially distanced of course) to mark the heroes of then and now.

"Today, just like 1945, is an extraordinary time and amid the undoubted grief and sorrow, there is much to celebrate...not least the extraordinary efforts of those in the NHS and care and charity sectors.

"Please join us to make this a day we will all remember."

The County Press will be publishing a special supplement called Heroes.

Already in newsagents and available for home delivery is our special VE Day magazine Victory, which recounts stories from the Island and the South, of the Second World War.