Watching packed crowds celebrating VE Day on their TV screens did not stop residents and staff at Windsor's Castle View retirement village keeping a safe distance from each other during Friday's commemorations.

But residents and staff of the retirement village in Helston Lane still pushed the boat out for VE Day with a full day’s programme of patriotic events which included the two minutes silence at 11am, listening to Churchill's speech and joining in with We'll Meet Again after watching the Queen.

Keeping social distance was not difficult as events were spaced across the village, in the Sky lounge, restaurant and reception with residents joining in the singing from their balconies.

“It was such a joyous day,” commented resident John Webster, 87, “and really hit the spot in blending commemoration and celebration - remembering those who had lost their lives while rejoicing that it was all over.”

“It was a fine day of celebration,” said Robin Hughes, CEO of Castle View, “and another great example of the community spirit that our residents and staff enjoy together.”

All the residents of the village had agreed as a group to go into self-lockdown ahead of the Government’s decision to get everyone to isolate at home. To support them, village manager Lisa Fisher with her dog Benjy and restaurant manager Caz Hughes moved in with additional support from other members of staff.