A SECOND World War plane will grace a ceremony to remember the victims of the Japanese Imperial Army.

A parade marking the 58th anniversary of VJ - Victory over Japan - Day will be held tomorrow and will feature a fly-past of a Douglas Dakota.

The US-built transporter, part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, saw service in every theatre of the war.

Dakotas flew back many prisoners of war from camps in Japan, Thailand and Singapore.

Parade organiser Arthur Lockyear said: "When I approached the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to ask for a fly-past I knew that the Spitfires, Hurricanes, and Lancasters had little to do with the war in the Far East.

"So when I was told that it might be possible for us to have a Dakota flyover, I positively jumped at the chance. I realised that the great workhorse of the sky was very appropriate to this occasion, and the people we are remembering.''

The parade takes place from 10am to 10.30am at the city's war memorial in Mowbray Park, Sunderland.

It will be led by one of the Territorial Army's best pipe bands, from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers at Newton Aycliffe, and Hetton Silver Youth Band will sing hymns during the service.

The ceremonial guard around the memorial will be made up of Royal Marines, Foot Guards, and the Royal Gurkha Rifles.

Wreaths will be laid by distinguished medal-holders including Richard Annand, of Durham, who won the Victoria Cross.

All ex-servicemen and women are invited to attend the ceremony.