PoWs remembered at National Memorial Arboretum

A garden was unveiled at the Far East PoW Memorial Building in memory of those prisoners who died on so-called "hellships" during WW2

A service has been held at the National Memorial Arboretum in tribute to allied soldiers taken prisoner in the conflict with Japan during World War Two.

Dozens of services were held across the country on Saturday to mark the 70th anniversary of VJ Day.

Sunday's event at the arboretum, in Alrewas, was attended by descendants of PoWs, and veterans.

It was organised by the Children of Far East Prisoners of War (COFEPOW) group, who also unveiled a memorial garden.

The group said it was important to remember those who fought in the "forgotten" conflict.

More than 29,000 British troops died in the war against Japan, almost half PoWs.

On Friday, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed "profound grief" over his country's actions in WW2.

While the conflict in Europe ended in May 1945, the Japanese did not surrender until 14 August 1945 after the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The Queen led commemorations in London on Saturday, while a minute's silence was held in Tokyo.

COFEPOW said interest in the anniversary had led to a 10% increase in its members in the last few weeks.

The group said it was common for former PoWs not to speak of their experiences, but many of their relatives often wanted to understand what they went through.

The weekend also marks the 10th anniversary of the setting up of the Far East PoW Memorial Building at the National Memorial Arboretum.