City marks the 80th anniversary of VJ Day

Hull has marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two with a VJ Day service at the Cenotaph.

Hundreds of people gathered in Paragon Street for the remembrance ceremony, organised by the Royal British Legion, to honour those who served in the war.

Lord Mayor Cheryl Payne laid a wreath and a two-minute silence was held at midday.

The lord mayor said the anniversary was a "significant moment" for Hull, which was "significantly affected" by World War Two.

Neil Roy attended the event to remember his father, who was a pilot who trained the Canadians how to fly Spitfires.

"It is a significant part of everyone's life that we have the freedom to be able to talk, to come to places like this, and not be able to be subjected to the dictatorial things of life," he said.

Ex-serviceman David Ainsworth said: "It's very important to remember for all of those who sacrificed their lives for us, and for our freedom."

VJ Day, or Victory over Japan Day, is celebrated each year on 15 August to mark the day when Japan surrendered to the Allied forces in 1945.

An estimated 71,000 soldiers from Britain and the Commonwealth died fighting against the Japanese.

"Well over 1,000 were killed in our city during the conflict, with many more injured," Payne said.

"Those devastating times will still be remembered by many older people in our communities, and it is hard to imagine what they had to experience."

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices