Music, poetry and prayers in Deal helped mark the day in the Second World War when the first nuclear weapons exploded in Japan.

Members of the Deal United Nations Branch met outside St George’s Church on Thursday to remember the many thousands who died on August 6, 1945.

The ceremony took place by the cherry tree, recognised as a symbol of peace throughout the world.

Branch secretary Pam Brivio said: “The tree was originally planted by members approximately 25 years ago, to mark the anniversary of Hiroshima Day in the hope that such an event would never happen again.

“Two members of the group who had attended the original planting were present on this occasion.”

Caro Wilkinson and Eleanor Inch played cello music to introduce the short service which included readings and poetry. The prayer to peace was read and members made personal contributions.

Sue Delling quoted from the speech that the mayor of Japan had given at the Peace Museum at Hiroshima in which he had referred to the speech by President Obama, who had said: “As the only nuclear power to have used a nuclear weapons, the United States has a moral responsibility to act and to take concrete steps towards a world without nuclear weapons.”

The Deal United Nations Branch meets monthly. Telephone 07772 471905.