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Elaborate VE Day display brings community spirit to Cades Place in Maidstone

A gardener has created an eye-catching display to celebrate VE Day and raise money for the NHS.

Lorraine Humm, who lives in Cades Place, Maidstone, spent around 17 hours crafting the patriotic scene - featuring a replica tank and Spitfire - to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.

VE Day display created by Maidstone gardener Lorraine Humm to raise funds for the NHS
VE Day display created by Maidstone gardener Lorraine Humm to raise funds for the NHS

The 48-year-old invited passers whose attention was caught by the elaborate effort to donate for the health service, raising more than £100 for the charitable arm of the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.

She said: "It came about because a lot of people are a bit down at the moment, so I thought to do a display to cheer people up.

"On VE Day everyone came out and sat in their front gardens. By doing the display I think it got everyone out in a friendly way and people got to know their neighbours.

"Lots of people went past and then told other people about the display, and then more people came by to take pictures. I think it creates a bit of community spirit."

The creations were put together using household items, including wheelie bins and gardening equipment.

VE Day display created by Maidstone gardener Lorraine Humm to raise funds for the NHS
VE Day display created by Maidstone gardener Lorraine Humm to raise funds for the NHS

Lorraine, who volunteers as a coach at Maidstone United football club, even included the team's initials on the side of the mocked-up fighter plane.

Despite the coronavirus lockdown, people across Kent staged VE Day celebrations on Friday.

One schoolgirl ensured her street marked the anniversary in its own unique way - with colourful scarecrows outside every house.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

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