War Graves Commission with free talks and tours in Cornwall

These events aim to encourage people to discover the heritage on their doorstep.

The initiative marks the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) and Victory in Japan (VJ) Days.

The talks and tours are set to begin in towns and cities across the UK during the CWGC’s annual War Graves Week, from May 2 to 11, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8.

They will then continue regularly over the summer months, including around VJ Day on August 15.

War Graves Week is an initiative aimed at encouraging people from the local community to come together and discover the world war heritage on their doorstep.

The first tours in Cornwall will take place at Falmouth Cemetery on Saturday, May 3 at 10.30am and on Wednesday, May 7 at 5.30pm.

They will also be held at Penzance Cemetery on Saturday, May 3 at 2.30pm and Tuesday, May 6 at 5.30pm.

These tours will provide people with the opportunity to discover the remarkable stories of the men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in the First and Second World Wars.

In addition to the tours, a series of interactive mobile exhibitions will be held across the UK as part of the CWGC’s For Evermore Tour.

Visitors will also get the chance to see the CWGC’s Torch for Peace, which symbolises the eternal flame of commemoration.

Simon Bendry, director of education, engagement and volunteering, said: "This year marks a special and unique year with the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day.

"We are incredibly excited for people to come out and join one of our tours or exhibitions over the coming weeks, and to share their stories of the fallen so we can keep telling them for generations to come."

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission was founded by Royal Charter in 1917.

It works on behalf of the governments of Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom to commemorate men and women from the Commonwealth who lost their lives in the two World Wars.