To help celebrate VE Day, a number of World War Two veterans have spoken on camera about their experiences for a new two-part film.

The collaboration between Lancashire County Council Educational Archives and Burnley Council gathered four Burnley-based WWII veterans to discuss what it was like before and during the war time years.

And the first film, released on Friday, features Stephen Bacon, a 99-year-old WWII veteran from Burnley, who served with the RAF.

In the film he gives a frank and lively interview about his experiences, remembering how he came to join the air force and recalling the drama of being shot down behind enemy lines, as well as detailing his subsequent capture and imprisonment by the Germans.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Councillor Cosima Towneley, executive member for community and environmental services and armed forces champion, said: “It was a truly memorable experience gathering the four ex-servicemen together.

"By chance, each of the military arms on land, sea and air were represented.

"We are very disappointed that the celebrations will now have to be ‘virtual’ but encourage everyone to sit and listen to this fascinating interview as a family, perhaps using this as part of their home learning.

"It will certainly add a different dimension to supper time discussion, so it would be great if the link to the video is shared widely.”

"I hope a younger generation finds inspiration in these ordinary people who did extraordinary things, and are encouraged to show the same resilience, determination and good humour that is needed to overcome whatever challenges they face today.”

The video is available on the council’s website, Facebook and Youtube channel and can be watched in full here