WAR veterans, dignitaries and residents paid a poignant tribute in Bradford on the 70th anniversary of VE Day.

A party gathered at Centenary Square yesterday and stood in an arch to say prayers and join in the national two-minute silence to mark the end of the Second World War in Europe.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Mike Gibbons, lead the service at 3pm and was supported by his Chaplain, Canon Philip Gray and Canon Sam Chorley, the Chaplain to the Royal British Legion's Bradford branch.

Some people who were in Bradford on May 8, 1945 also attended yesterday's ten-minute service and recalled people dancing in Centenary Square as the lights were switched back on across the city.

It marked the moment Winston Churchill broadcast his historic speech formally announcing the end of the Second World War.

Ronald Carr, now 80, of Allerton, who also served in the Army in Germany, described yesterday's service as emotional and said it was important to remember the day and those who sacrificed their lives during the conflict.

He said: "It was moving. Services like this are important to remember the past.

"I remember celebrating on the day. I came down to Bradford city centre to see what was going on."

Veronica Quantrill, now 84, of Eskine Parade, Woodside, recalls being a 14-year-old girl and attending a street party on May 8, 1945.

She said: "It was a wonderful day. My brother was in the Royal Navy and my mum was so excited that he was coming home for good."

Her sister Margaret Spencer, now 86, of Hird Avenue, Odsal, returned to Centenary Square yesterday after recalled being on the steps of City Hall 70 years to celebrate the end of the war.

She said: "I remember the buzzer at the mill where I worked going of to say the war was over.

"I made my way down to Centenary Square. It was just full. Everybody was dancing and doing the conga round the town hall. There were soldiers and sailors here.

"It was great that everything was lit up. It went from the darkness to the light. It was great."

Representatives from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and from the Royal Navy were among those who also attended.

The Lord Mayor said: "It was great to see a number of people here in Bradford today to respectfully honour VE Day.

"It is important to remember the conflict and, of course, to remember that it came to an end.

"It is also important to remember those who lost their lives in the Second World War.

The Lord Mayor lit a beacon at the Cenotaph last night to celebrate the light emerging from the darkness of war.

This beacon formed a chain of more than 100 beacons being lit at 9.30pm, across the country.

The City Hall clock tower also illuminated to reflect the buildings that were lit up in celebration on VE Day in 1945.