Headlines: VE Day commemorations and play-off hopes

World War Two reenactors were out in Highworth this week

Here's our weekly roundup of stories from across local websites in the West of England.

We have a daily round up as well. Make sure you look out for it on the website and the local section of the BBC News app.

What have been the big stories in the West this week?

The week was dominated by commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day. ITV West Country spoke to members of Bristol's Sikh community who came together at the Sikh war memorial in Castle Park to reflect on their contributions to the war effort.

Meanwhile, The Swindon Advertiser has spoken to a 99-year-old World War Two veteran about her VE Day memories

A large 250-year-old oak tree felled in Bradford-on-Avon has upset some of its residents, according to the Wiltshire Times

Bristol Rovers confirmed the return of Darrell Clarke this week as their new manager until 2028, six-and-a-half years on from his departure, reported Bristol Live. The previous head coach Inigo Calderon was sacked following the team's relegation from League One.

And finally, Gloucestershire Live reported a GoFundMe had started to raise money for a memorial in Bourton-on-the-Water, for two famous feathered citizens, George and Mildred - a pair of geese who were killed recently.

Top five stories for the BBC in the West

Something longer to read

The impact of the recent local elections is still being felt in Gloucestershire. Gloucestershire Live and the Local Democracy Reporting Service spoke to several ousted councillors, who gave reflections on what went wrong for their respective parties. The Liberal Democrats are now the largest group on the council with 27 councillors, with Reform the second largest at 11 councillors.

Explore more with our daily roundups