Finally, after six long, dark and weary years, Britain could rejoice.

       It was May 8, 1945 and on what became known as VE Day marking the end of the Second World War, 10,000 people gathered to celebrate in Finchley, North London.

       This incredible photograph captures the relief on the faces of those who had suffered but could now look forward.

       One said: “It was our intention to look at the lights of London, which had been blacked out or dimmed for the past five years. Some houses had red, white and blue lamps in their front garden. Almost every house had their front room lights blazing into the street. When we arrived we formed part of a huge crowd shouting, waving and singing, ？'There'll always be an England!”

       The remarkable moment in time was taken at Stephens House & Gardens, a Grade II listed Victorian mansion which served as a Voluntary Aid Detachment Hospital, and between 1919 and 1925, was the RAF central hospital, before the grounds were formally opened to the public in 1928.

       It is planning a huge anniversary celebration on Sunday, May 4 to mark 80 years since the formal end of the conflict and wants to recreate the iconic picture.

       It is now searching for those who were there on that momentous day eight decades ago, or their relatives, who gathered in the sprawling gardens of what was then known as Avenue House.

       Caroline Westgate said: “My aunt was there with some of her friends. My father and uncle were probably there as well as my grandfather was the superintendent of parks and open spaces. She said that there was lots of dancing.”

       A nationwide jamboree is planned for the May 5 Bank Holiday Monday as Britain comes together to pay thanks to The Greatest Generation and the freedoms they secured.

       Schools will be the centre of celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8, the official end of the Second Wold War.

       Market Garden hero Geoff Roberts, 99, who was captured in the airborne assault on Arnhem in 1944 and held as a prisoner of war, said: “I think it’s very important in these current times we remember those that gave their lives for our freedom and peace in Europe. We should never forget them.”

       Marie Scott, 98, was just 17 on D-Day and worked in a top secret underground bunker passing coded messages from military commanders to soldiers landing on the beaches of Normandy. When troops were talking on their radios, she could hear every blood-curdling sound from across the water in Normandy.

       She said: “It’s an opportunity to thank all those wonderful people who made such a spectacular victory possible because, without them, the future could have been very dire indeed.”

       Actor Ross Kemp, 60, is helping to coordinate the UK-wide celebrations and said: “VE Day marks a major moment in our history - when Britain helped defeat the forces of fascism and protect our democracy.

       “Taking part is an opportunity for us all to honour those who sacrificed so much, to reconnect with our neighbours and communities - and to remember the values that underpinned the victory. “They matter as much today as they did then. This might be our last chance to thank the surviving veterans - so we should celebrate them in style.”

       He is being helped by double gold-medal Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, 54, who said: “Moments like this matter, they bring us together as a country and remind us of the freedoms we sometimes take for granted. They also give us an opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to the victory from the UK and across the commonwealth. Let’s make this a party to remember.”

       * If you were there and can help visit www.stephenshouseandgardens.com or call 020 8346 7812.