A special ceremony was held in Motherwell to honour those who died as prisoners of war in the Far East during the Second World War.

The event at the Civic Centre marked the anniversary of the end of the conflict when Japanese forces surrendered on August 15, 1945.

War veterans, local politicians and members of the public gathered to commemorate the soldiers who fought in the Far East campaign, which lasted from December 1941 to August 1945.

(Image: North Lanarkshire Council)

The memorial service was led by Provost Kenneth Duffy and Provost of South Lanarkshire, Margaret Cooper.

The participants laid wreaths at the war memorial and observed a minute’s silence.

(Image: North Lanarkshire Council)

Provost Duffy said: “It is vital that we continue to remember the sacrifices of those who have lost their lives in the Far East.

“The conflict lasted longer than the war in Europe. It stretched across almost the entire region from Hawaii to northeast India and was on a scale that is hard to imagine.

“It has been 79 years since the end of the conflict and our gratitude and admiration for those who fought so bravely for freedom thousands of miles from home remains undiminished.

(Image: North Lanarkshire Council)

“Today is an opportunity to reflect on this important part of our history.

“We are eternally grateful for their sacrifice to protect freedom and must ensure that their courage is never forgotten.”