BARNSLEY College welcomed the Lamp Light of Peace to its Old Mill Lane campus recently as part of a special VE Day commemoration.

The Lamp Light of Peace, representing the triumph of peace over war, was blessed at St Paul’s Cathedral during a televised VE Day service attended by the Royal Family, before making its journey up the Thames aboard the historic Havengore, famously used during Sir Winston Churchill’s funeral.

Lady Jane MacRae, who played bagpipes for the King during the national VE Day commemorations, delivered the Lamp Light of Peace to Barnsley College.

It will go on to Balmoral before returning to Barnsley, once a permanent site has been decided upon.

Barnsley College principal David Akeroyd said: “Bringing the Lamp Light of Peace to Barnsley is a hugely rewarding and inspiring moment, that reflects our college’s dedication to remembrance, heritage and values of peace and unity.

“It is very special for both the college and the town as a whole, to be entrusted with a significant piece of the national commemorations.

“I am immensely proud of our students for leading the nation’s colleges in the VE Day 80 campaign.

“That we’ve been able to bring the Lamp Light of Peace, launch the #VEHAPPY campaign, and create the memorial garden, here in Barnsley speaks volumes for both the college’s long-standing commitment to unity and collaboration, and our town’s strong community spirit.

“Days such as this are important for a number of reasons - they allow us to honour those who have come before us, reflect on the here and now, and think ahead to what we want to see in the world around us.”