A PARADE is to take place in Sunderland this month in memory of soldiers who fought the Japanese during the Second World War.

On Sunday, August 17, a memorial will be held on VJ Day to mark the 58th anniversary since the end of the war against Japan.

Former Far East prisoner of war Len Gibson, from West Herrington, near Sunderland, who was taken prisoner at Singapore, said: "We have, ever since our release from Japanese imprisonment in August 1945, come together to remember our comrades who did not return, and over that time our numbers have dwindled to a mere handful.

"Last year, Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade offered to help us with our remembrance service and they brought together over 100 people - soldiers, firefighters, a piper and a bugler. It was marvellous."

This year, serving soldiers from a range of services including the Foot Guards, the Gurkhas, the Royal Military Police, the Royal Army Medical Corps and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers will be taking part.

A guard of honour will be formed around Sunderland's war memorial by men from 42 Commando Royal Marines, who have recently returned from Iraq.

All ex-servicemen and women are invited to take part in the parade.

Contact parade co-ordinator Arthur Lockyear on 0191-373 2035 for more details.