THE bunting is coming out for Worcestershire's VE Day 60th anniversary celebrations as Lottery grants are announced for commemorative events throughout the county.

More than £12.3m has been awarded by the Big Lottery Fund and Heritage fund to events in the region celebrating VE day and VJ day.

The biggest chunk of cash has been awarded to the Pershore's Branch of the Royal Naval Association, which receives £8,000 for a commemorative parade.

A further £1,814 has been given to the Worcestershire Regiment Museum for an exhibition recognising the actions of the Worcester Regiment.

Pershore's parade will be held in the town centre on Sunday, May 8, at 2pm, with veterans and current members of the services marching down High Street to a service in the Abbey grounds.

There will also be a fete with bouncy castles, vintage vehicles, face painting, rides and games.

The chairman of the Pershore and District branch of the Royal Naval Association, Ralth Annis, said the grant had made all the difference.

"We are so overwhelmed we can now afford a really stylish celebration," he said

"For a small town like Pershore to get a Marines band is fantastic. This is a once-in-alifetime opportunity."