THE Japanese ambassador is to attend a service of friendship and reconciliation at Canterbury Cathedral to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Victory in Japan.

The event on Sunday, August 21, is being organised by the International Friendship and Reconciliation Trust, which was formed five years ago by veterans of the Burma Campaign.

For several years it has been holding annual cathedral services, alternating between Canterbury and Coventry, on VJ on August 15, if a Sunday, or on the following Sunday.

Its aim is to foster new friendships and links with Japan.

The service in Canterbury at 3.15pm will also be attended by members of Canterbury Royal British Legion.

At 10.50am on the same morning, the Legion will be holding a short service and wreath-laying at the war memorial in the Buttermarket, which the public are invited to attend.