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

War veterans, local politicians and members of the public gathered to remember the brave service personnel who served in the Far East campaign, a theatre of war that lasted from December 1941 to August 1945.

Known as 'the Forgotten War,' this campaign saw British, Allied, and Commonwealth forces enduring harsh conditions and suffering tremendous losses. Many thousands were captured and subjected to brutal conditions in prisoner of war camps.

The Remembrance Service was led by Provost Kenneth Duffy and South Lanarkshire Provost Margaret Cooper. Attendees laid wreaths at the war memorial and observed a minute’s silence in tribute to those who lost their lives.

Provost Kenneth Duffy said: “It’s vitally important we continue to remember the sacrifice made by those who lost their lives in the Far East. The conflict lasted longer than the war in Europe, being fought across almost the entire region from Hawaii to North-East India and on a scale that’s hard to imagine. It is 79 years since the conflict ended, and our gratitude and admiration for those who fought so bravely for freedom many thousands of miles from home remains undiminished.

"The unconditional surrender of the Japanese forces brought an end to the devastation of the Second World War in that part of the world. Today is an opportunity to reflect on this important part of our history. We are eternally grateful for their sacrifice to protect freedom, and we must make sure their bravery is never forgotten.”