Ross Kemp and Kelly Holmes climb aboard for VE Day 80 party on HMS Duncan

Ross Kemp and Dame Kelly Holmes joined crew members on board HMS Duncan for a street party ahead of VE Day 80 celebrations.

Schoolchildren and cadets were also on board the Royal Navy Type 45 Destroyer as she was alongside in Portsmouth.

The party comes one month before the main celebrations to mark eight decades since the Second World War ended in Europe.

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Those attending the party were able to join in with lawn games and children’s activities as well as the chance to make VE Day 80 flags and bunting.

The Band of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth also treated partygoers to a performance on the ship's flight deck.

Dame Kelly – who previously served in the British Army – said: “I love the fact that we are talking about celebrating.

“It’s been wonderful to see the connection between the military the young people coming together.

Ross Kemp added: "It made me very proud to be British today.

"It’s just the young people on board unbelievably professional, courteous, understated.

"Very proud."

The ship's company mingled with the youngsters chatting about why VE day is still really important. 

Able Rate Matthew Walton said: "My grandad served in World War Two in the navy.”

"I know he was a submariner.

"Next month look at his uniform, look at his medals and then realise he fought there and I'm doing a similar thing."

The country will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day next month, with all three services taking part in a military procession from London's Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace on 5 May.

The RAF will stage a flypast over the city to round of the military celebrations.

Military musicians will also perform in a concert from Horse Guard Parade on 8 May.

Communities up and down the country are being encouraged to host their own events to mark the occasion.