Memorials have been held across the West to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) – signifying the end of World War Two. Crowds took part in a national two-minute silence at 12:00 BST led by the King, Queen and Prime Minister Keir Starmer from the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

King Charles will lead British commemorations on Friday for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, which marks victory over Japan and the end of World War Two, with famous buildings across the country lit up to mark the occasion.

A World War Two special forces veteran says a service to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day will be "a really poignant moment for those of us left". Charlie Richards, 104, from Kettering,