Ashby Royal British Legion wants to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day next with a special ceremony.

The Legion held a remembrance service at the War Memorial in Brook Street on Thursday to commemorate the lives lost before War World War II was officially declared to be over.

That was on August 15, 1945, when Emperor Hirohito broadcast the surrender to the Japanese people.

But now the Ashby Legion is hoping to organise a ceremony to mark the occasion - which came after VE Day in June.

Ashby RBL chairman Dan Harrison lays a wreath

Special events are already in the pipeline for the VE Day commemorations.

But Ashby RBL branch chairman Dan Harrison has suggested the idea of the town hosting a much bigger ceremony in 12 months' time.

The idea is in its early stages, and Mr Harrison knows it would need the support of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council.

He told Ashby Nub News after last week's ceremony: "We've commemorated VJ Day with a small event, looking at the logistics and how many people we can get into the War Memorial area.

"But, for the 80th anniversary, we'd like to promote it on a much bigger scale.

"We're dipping our toe in to find out what it's all about.

"We've done that and we were pleased with how it went on Thursday.

"People stopped me in the street afterwards and asked me if it was the Japanese anniversary - so I think we created a bit of interest there.

"We would hope the Town Council will support us on this - then we can launch it."

Mr Harrison believes the 80th anniversary should be commemorated as it was the conclusion of World War II.

He added: "That particular aspect of the war was particularly horrendous - all wars are of course - but this was fought to the bitter end which ended with the dropping of the atomic bombs.

"The Emperor declared that was the end, but it wasn't easy."

Mr Harrison says he hopes Ashby can host a memorable occasion next August.

He added: "We'd like to invite members of the public who had relatives who may have fought in the Far East and elsewhere.

"We could make an occasion of this, so we'd like hear from people if we can get the go-ahead."

If the ceremony is on a scale anticipated by Ashby RBL, then it would involve a road closure around the War Memorial area.

But Legion officials believe it would be a well-attended event.