Free bus travel for military on VE 80 Day

Serving military personnel, veterans and cadets will be given access to free bus travel on the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

Stagecoach East Midlands, which runs in Hull, East Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, is scrapping fares on 8 May for those wearing uniform, carrying a military ID, a veteran's badge or medal.

Officials said the free travel would allow those eligible to attend events and commemorations.

Matt Cranwell, managing director of the bus company, said it would be a "privilege to recognise the bravery and dedication of our armed forces, cadets and veterans".

He added: "Offering free travel on VE 80 Day is a small gesture of appreciation for the enormous contribution made by our service men and women, past and present."

Events are being held across the country to mark the day Allied forces accepted Germany's surrender in World War Two on 8 May 1945.

The national celebrations will start with a military procession in central London from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace on the 5 May bank holiday.

Other landmarks will be illuminated to mark the occasion and installation of 30,000 ceramic poppies will be displayed in the Tower of London, which was bombed during the Blitz.

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