THE day of commemoration for the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War is being marked with a special service at Durham Cathedral.

Veterans' groups will join civic and church figures from across the North-East at the evensong service, on Sunday.

The cathedral's dean and chapter is also inviting anyone who helped the war effort, or with memories of a loved one who contributed in the services or on the Home Front, to attend the service.

The service, which starts at 3.30pm, is the main regional event on the national day of thanksgiving and commemoration, chosen as it falls between the 60th anniversaries of the end of the war in Europe, VE Day, and in the Far East, VJ Day.

The lessons will be read by the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Sir Paul Nicholson, and the Dean of Durham, the Very Rev Michael Sadgrove. Prayers will be read by Len Gibson, of the Far East Prisoners of War Association, joined by a serving officer from the Tyne Tees Regiment and a local schoolboy.

The cathedral choir will sing Hubert Parry's introit There is a Country and John Ireland's anthem Greater Love Hath No Man.

Former Dean, the Very Rev Dr John Arnold, OBE, now dean emeritus, has been invited to return to the cathedral to preach at the service. Part of his ministry while serving in the Church was the fostering of reconciliation throughout post-war Europe, which led to links between the Diocese of Durham and the Church of North Elbia in Germany.

Members of the congregation at Sunday's service are invited to light a candle, or leave a message on prayer cards in front of the RAF Window, which also acts as the cathedral's War Memorial.