Second World War veterans exchanged emotional memories at a party celebrating the 65th anniversary of the end of the conflict.

As well as veterans, armed forces personnel and representatives from church and community groups attended the party at Alexandra High School in Tipton yesterday.

Among the guests was 90-year-old Len Whitehouse, one of the soldiers who arrived by boat on the Normandy beaches on D-Day.

His job was to set up landing pads for Spitfires.

The great-grandfather, of Woodcross Road, Coseley, said: “There was a mass of boats – the sea was full of craft destroyers and cruisers. It was an amazing sight.

“I drove onto the beach before being directed to this field so I could start work.

“There was a lot of noise and it was very scary.”

Ex-Corporal George Staples, now 86 and of Bearwood Road, Smethwick, arrived a couple of days after D-Day and was responsible for clearing land mines.

He said: “I remember seeing devastation and carnage everywhere.”

Another veteran, George Heritage, 89, of Furnace Parade, Tipton, was a fighter pilot in Burma.

He said: “My main war memory was the comradeship between the soldiers.”

The party featured music and acting performances from pupils plus readings remembering fallen soldiers and photography displays.

School official Hilary Brown said: “It has been brilliant.

“We waited until now to hold the party because although the war ended in Europe in May, it did not end in Japan until August.”