'I will be very proud - to think I'm still here' - Staffordshire Second World War veteran starts procession as thousands line the streets of London for four days of VE Day commemorations

Staffordshire veteran Mr Alan Kennett has led the procession to begin four days of commemorations to mark the end of the Second World War.

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Mr Alan Kennett, 100, from Lichfield, was pictured as he received the Commonwealth War Graves Torch for Peace by air cadet Warrant Officer Emmy Jones at this year's VE Day commemorations.

More than 1,300 members of the armed forces have marched through the streets of London as part of a procession that commemorates the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

Second World War veteran Alan Kennett joined the RAF service at the age of 18. Credit: Jeff Moore/PA Wire

Thousands of people have lined the streets of London's Whitehall and The Mall to watch the procession, which this year was started by Lichfield-based Second World War Normandy veteran Mr Alan Kennett, who joined the RAF at the age of 18.

Second World War veteran Alan Kennett near Parliament Square, central London, ahead of a military procession marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Credit: Jeff Moore/PA Wire

Talking ahead of VE Day, the 100-year-old Staffordshire RAF veteran said: "I will feel very proud - to think I'm still here.

"I just remember those that didn't come back, that's the thing that sticks in my mind. I'm lucky. I got out. There's a lot that didn't believe me. Luck of the draw. It shouldn't be forgotten."

Mr Kennett received a peace rose near Parliament Square, central London, ahead of a military procession marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Credit: Jeff Moore/PA Wire

Launching the procession, Garrison Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class One Andrew Stokes, of the Coldstream Guards, asked Mr Kennet, who was sitting on a chair in Parliament Square, for permission to start the march.

He said: "Thank you and your generation for securing our freedom 80 years ago. May I have your permission to start the parade please?"

To which Mr Kennett replied: "Carry on."

Second World War veteran Alan Kennett shakes hands with a member of the Band of the Irish Guards, near Parliament Square, central London, ahead of a military procession. Credit: Jeff Moore/PA Wire

Mr Kennett serves with the the Mustang Squadron in the RAF and was in Celle, near Belsen, on VE Day.

In an interview with the PA news agency, the Lichfield veteran remembered a chance meeting he had with his father, who was also serving overseas.

He said: "I had no idea he was there. I was gobsmacked. It was pure chance.

Mr Alan Kennett spoke with a member of the Band of the Irish Guards near Paliament Square in Central London. Credit: Jeff Moore/PA Wire

"We just congratulated each other and it was in the local paper.

"We had a little chat for half an hour or so and then he left - I never saw him again for the rest of the war."

The Cenotaph on Whitehall was dressed in the Union flag as final preparations were made ahead of the military procession marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Credit: Jeff Moore/PA Wire

Mr Kennett is one of 30 Second World War veterans to be invited to attend a tea party at Buckingham Palace with their patron, The King.