Cathedral marks VJ Day with commemorative service

Military organisations and cadets were part of the commemorations

Hundreds of people gathered at Norwich Cathedral to remember the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the Far East during World War II, on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.

Regiments from East Anglia were among those who suffered in the prisoner of war camps before and after victory was declared over Japan on 15 August 1945.

On Friday, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester joined members of the military and relatives of those who were caught up in the conflict.

Speaking ahead of the service, the Dean of Norwich, the Very Rev Andrew Braddock, said it would be about "the human cost and our common humanity".

"We've been planning this for the best part of two years; it's a significant occasion for us to commemorate and remember those who served in the forces, prisoners of war and the sacrifices they made," he added.

The Dean of Norwich said many people never spoke of their experiences

A parade passed through Cathedral Close ahead of the service

BBC Look East's Susie Fowler-Watt read part of a sermon delivered at Changi, Singapore in August 1945

Olga Henderson, 93, who was as a child was imprisoned in Singapore for more than three years, laid a wreath at the altar.

She told the BBC she was part of a strict school regime and the worst experience was having "one pair of knickers" and no soap, which meant she had perpetual headlice and skin sores.

Olga Henderson was an internee aged nine to 13

On her 10th birthday, three weeks after she was imprisoned, people gave up their rations so a rice cake could be made for her, and a petticoat was fashioned out of old rice sacks.

At the end of the war, a "little plane" flew over the camp and bits of paper fluttered down, declaring they were free, she said.

"There was singing, and dancing and jumping up and down," she recalled.