The early May Day bank holiday will be moved back four days next year to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

VE Day - or Victory in Europe Day - is marked on 8 May and commemorates the Allies accepting the surrender of Nazi Germany in the Second World War.

The May Day bank holiday is traditionally held on a Monday but will be put back to the Friday and form part of a three-day weekend of commemorative events.

Sir Andrew Gregory, chief executive of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, said it was a "fitting" idea.

He said: "It is our duty to keep the events of the past alive in collective memory, including future generations - this is how we ensure that such a conflict never happens again.

How D-Day was reported in the newspapers Show all 14 1 /14 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers How D-Day was reported in the newspapers People gather around a newsstand to purchase copies of the Chicago Daily News and the Chicago Daily Tribune as news breaks of the Allied invasion of Normandy The LIFE Picture Collection/Gett How D-Day was reported in the newspapers New York Post New York. Tuesday 6 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers The Evening News London. Tuesday 6 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers Daily Mirror London. Wednesday 7 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers The Star London. Tuesday 6 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers Los Angeles Times Los Angeles. Tuesday 6 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers Evening Despatch London. Tuesday 6 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers Manchester Evening News Manchester. Tuesday 6 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers The Washington Post Washington. Tuesday 6 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers The New York Times New York. Tuesday 6 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers The Daily Telegraph London. Wednesday 7 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers Daily Mail London. Wednesday 7 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers Daily Express London. Wednesday 7 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers Evening Standard London. Tuesday 6 June, 1944

"It is our hope that the nation takes a moment to reflect on the significance of this date, as a milestone that changed the course of history for the whole world."

The announcement follows events across the UK and France to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

As part of the VE Day commemorations, more than 20,000 pubs will encourage drinkers to toast the heroes of the war while churches will take part in a “Ringing Out For Peace”.

The bank holiday will move in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but not necessarily in Scotland as bank holidays are devolved to Holyrood.

Greg Clark, the business secretary, said moving the bank holiday was a "right and fitting tribute".

He added: "VE Day marked an historic moment in not only our nation's but the world's history and it is important that we commemorate this great occasion on its 75th anniversary.

"Honouring those who did their duty - whether on the battlefields of Europe or through their efforts and sacrifices here at home."

The May Day bank holiday has only ever been moved once before, when it was shifted from 1 May to 8 May in 1995 to mark the 50th anniversary of VE Day.