North Ayrshire Council has confirmed it will join the rest of the UK to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE day next year.

The UK and Scottish Governments have moved next year’s bank holiday from Monday 4 May to Friday 8 May – exactly 75 years since allied forces announced the surrender of Germany in Europe.

And at a meeting of Cabinet on Tuesday, North Ayrshire councillors confirmed they will close Council buildings and schools on this day.

The elected members also agreed to give staff an additional day of annual leave on May 4.

The schools will be closed subject to agreement with Scottish Government.

Councillor Joe Cullinane, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, explained that this ensures that International Workers Days is also celebrated.

He said: “There are celebrations going on across the UK to commemorate the end of WWII and we are sure people across the region will be taking part in these.

“The May holiday is also an important one as it is International Workers Day and something that is celebrated every year. We were therefore clear that we must respect the importance of this and keep it in the calendar.

"Providing an additional days leave will enable us to respect both these important dates and reward our hardworking staff for their dedication to local public services throughout the year."

Due to the Higher English and Advanced Higher English exams scheduled for 4 May 2020, appropriate arrangements will be in place at the nine secondary schools