WHEN Winston Churchill declared victory in Europe 70 years ago, it was a special day for millions of people all over the world – none more so than Marlene Holmes.

She was the first baby to be born in Manchester after the announcement was made that the war had ended in Europe.

News of the German surrender was made at 4pm on May 8, 1945, at which time her mother Phyllis Linaker was on the point of giving birth to Marlene at Crossley Maternity Hospital in Ancoats, weighing in at 7lb 1oz.

Marlene, now a mother of three, and grandmother of four children, had lived in Lever Street, Radcliffe, but has since moved to Market Street, Tottington.

She said: “I learnt and heard more about VE Day the older I became.

“My dad James wasn’t actually around when I was born as he was an engineer working down south for the Army.”

Marlene describes herself as lucky to be celebrating her 70th birthday tomorrow after an early diagnosis of cancer helped her to beat the disease.

She said: “I was playing with my grandson James, now aged five, about four years ago when he kicked me in the stomach and that night I passed out with the pain."

The incident caused her to be taken to the doctors and led to her being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

“My daughter Debbie travelled down from York every week to take me to The Christie for my chemotherapy and was absolutely amazing.

“Once I finished the course, the first thing me and my best friend did was book a 17-day holiday to Egypt.

“I probably give James so many cuddles because without him kicking my stomach, I might have been diagnosed when it was too late.”

Thousands of Bury families rejoiced on May 8, 1945, as the euphoria surrounding the end of hostilities swept through the whole of Great Britain.

Every community marked the occasion 70 years ago, many throwing street parties as mums, dads, sisters and brothers of those serving in the Armed Forces breathed a palpable sigh of relief.

Marlene’s dad, James, returned from his duties down south to be reunited with his new family and five years later they gave birth to son Ian, now aged 64.

Sadly, many men never returned to their home town after making the ultimate sacrifice for their country during World War Two.