VJ Day will be marked in Bolton town centre on Saturday – but residents are urged to celebrate the occasion at home.

The 75th anniversary of the day which marks the date of the Allies' victory over Japan and the end of the Second World War, will be commemorated with a wreath-laying ceremony and silence on Victoria Square from 10.50am.

This will be followed by a two-minute silence at 11am and people are encouraged to pay their respects by joining in at home, work or elsewhere.

Residents are urged to follow the Greater Manchester restrictions by lot observing the ceremony with other households.

The mayor of Bolton, Cllr Linda Thomas, is also asking for anyone with photographs, memories and stories from serving in the armed forces in the war against Japan or relatives of those who did to email them to mayorsoffice@bolton.gov.uk.

Cllr Thomas said: "The Second World War was such a major event in the history of the world and the 75th anniversary marks a significant moment.

“VJ Day marks the official end of the war and also our victory over Japan.

"Many people from the borough will have served in the Far East.

We will be commemorating their service and making sure that they certainly are not the ‘forgotten army’.

“While our commemorations will be markedly different this year because of the pandemic, our thoughts and thanks are with all those who served and their families.

“I’d be grateful to receive any memories and photographs from that time which can use to commemorate the day virtually.”

The material will be shared on the mayor’s and council’s social media and to be archived with the Local History service.

There will also be an online church service from Bolton Parish Church by the Reverend Canon Chris Bracegirdle which will be available to be watched on the church’s Facebook page.

Bolton Council leader, Cllr David Greenhalgh, said: “Earlier this year we commemorated VE Day, the victory over Nazi Germany, in trying circumstances.

“We will now be honouring the service of those who fought and served our country in whatever capacity in the Far East.

“While our current situation is far different from what those brave men and women went through, I hope we can take inspiration from their service and continue to follow the government guidance and protect our fellow citizens from this devastating virus.

“The present restrictions mean that we cannot commemorate the day together, but

"I’m sure we will remember the service of family, friends and the borough’s residents in our own way.”