THE school community at Alva Academy joined together in spirit last week to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day amid the coronavirus lockdown.

While it was not the huge event that had been planned, pupils and staff both marked 75 years since World War Two ended in Europe.

Last Friday, May 8, saw the young people learning from home given VE Day related tasks in their online classrooms.

Staff held tea parties at home, baking some tasty treats, putting up bunting and dressing in 1940s style.

Some parents also joined in to truly take the celebrations into the living room.

The school's musicians paid their respects too.

Pupil Lewis Maxwell played Flowers of the Forest on bagpipe while Mark Forbes and former pupil Ethan McLoughlin performed The Last Post.

And student Emily Meeten sang We'll Meet Again over a soundtrack recorded by music teacher David Clifford.

All of that, along with pictures taken on the day, were sent to Mr Clifford who edited it all together for a commemorative video.

Inside the school, which is serving as a hub for children of key workers, young people attending baked cakes and biscuits, made small Spitfires and coloured in some commemorative VE Day designs.

They also held a socially distanced street party with the staff.

Headteacher Scott McEwan was also spotted at a socially-distanced street tea party outside his home.

Teachers Mr Clifford and Miss Freeland said: "As a school we undertake many diverse acts of remembrance throughout the year and this was the best way that we could showcase the work, talent and effort put in by staff and pupils in this unprecedented time.

"We are so proud, especially of the musicians who displayed talent and courage whilst embracing our values of respect and service."

Visit youtu.be/ut93ye1dpg8 for Alva Academy's commemorative video.