THE ROARING forties graced Great Dunmow on Saturday night as guests parted to the sounds of Victory in Europe Day.

THE ROARING forties graced Great Dunmow on Saturday night as guests parted to the sounds of Victory in Europe Day.

Reverberating rhythms spread around Foakes Hall as the 18-piece Walden Big Band, played wartime favourites including Glen Miller's fabulous In the Mood.

Members of the Dunmow-Dourdan Twinning Association, and guests, donned 1940s costume and were delighted to be greeted by two original jeeps and their crews on entry.

Bunting and wartime d�cor added to the forties atmosphere and during the interval 'rations' were served - tasty shepherds pie and trifle.

Afterwards a raffle was supplemented by a Forties Quiz, including 'spot prizes' consisted of typical wartime staples such as Camp coffee, condensed milk, and even good ol' Spam.

Prizes for the best period dress went to Sandra Myles (Memphis Belle) and Terry Bryant (Battle of Britain ace).

According to organisers the night was deemed as 'one of the best Dunmow dances in memory' by guests.

Twinning chairman David Barron said: "There were calls for another fun twinning event, sometime soon and several new members joined and signed up for our four-day visit to Dourdan in May.

"All in all, it was VE Night all over again!"

Money raised from the evening will help the twinning association maintain the links with Dunmow's twin town Dourdan in France.