NEWS of the Japanese surrender – the final end of the Second World War – reached Keighley around midnight on August 14, 1945.

Among the first to know were Marks & Spencer's staff, who were just finishing a dance but immediately organised an extension!

The street victory parties began almost at once, although uncertain weather and a need for preparation meant that they continued through most of September.

This was one of the earlier parties in North Dean Road, a typical expression of community spirit.

Chief planners Mrs Taylor and Mrs Robinson got the idea on the first Friday of peace, and put it on two days later.

Mrs Whiteman loaned her piano for dancing after tea, while Mrs Smith opened her home for a children's "cinematographic show".

The tea, held in the road, accommodated 50 children on a variety of borrowed chairs and stools. The meal, comprising "jellies, blancmanges, buns and sandwiches", was described as "patriotic", with red, white and blue tablecloths and flowers to match. At dusk there were fireworks and a bonfire, and dancing in the street.

The photograph has been supplied by Norman Barton, of Holme Wood Road, Keighley.