SECOND World War survivors were given a reminder of life in the 1940s at a thank you event.

People were asked to contribute their personal memories of the war to become a VIP guest at the event held in a giant marquee at Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexley.

Bexley mayor Councillor John Shepheard welcomed more than 120 guests who enjoyed a lunch followed by entertainment.

Veteran entertainer John Barnes led a singsong on the banjo and keyboard of wartime songs and dance duo Swing Dance performed 1940s' dances such as the jitterbug, with some guests joining in.

Children from Normandy Primary School, Fairford Avenue, Barnehurst, sang songs, including a thank you song written by one of their teachers. There were also Second World War vehicles on show.

Each guest received a commemorative booklet called Thanks for Our Future, containing a letter of thanks from the mayor on behalf of the borough and a collection of all the wartime memories sent to the council.