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Commemorations to mark 70th anniversary of VJ Day

The Queen and other members of the royal family will lead the nation today in marking the 70th anniversary of VJ Day.

A series of events in London will commemorate the sacrifices of British Second World War forces who fought and died defeating Japan.

Live updates

Your guide to VJ commemorations road closures

A number of roads around Whitehall and the St James's Park area today as VJ commemorations get underway.

6am - Horse Guards Road closed

9am - Constitution Hill, The Mall, Marlborough Road, Spur Road, Birdcage Walk closed

10am - Parliament Street (NB), Whitehall (NB), Great Scotland Yard, Whitehall Place , Horse Guards Avenue closed

11am - Whitehall, Parliament Street, Parliament Square, Bridge Street, St Margaret Street, Abingdon Street, Millbank (north of Horseferry Road), Broad Sanctuary, Great Smith Street, Victoria Street, Tothill Street, Great George Street, Storey's Gate, Old Queen Street, Carteret Street, Dean Farrah Street and Dacre Street closed

5pm - All roads should be re-opened but this is subject to change

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London cabbies waive fares for VJ Day veterans

Black cab drivers will drive veterans to the VJ Day ceremony Credit: PA

Taxi drivers will be providing free transport for veterans attending the VJ Day commemorations taking place in London today.

The cabbies are offering their services to the London Taxi Benevolent Association for War Disabled - known as the Taxi Charity.

They will be driving the veterans to Horse Guards Parade for the ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory over Japan.

"I'm very excited as I didn't know if there was to be a celebration until recently.

People ask me about VE Day and what I was doing then. 'Still fighting,' is what I tell them, the next day we were attacked by Kamikazes and we lost 35 men on one ship."

– Danny McCrudden, Royal Navy veteran

"When we think what these men and women went through for us, it is the least I can do to give up a few hours of time this Saturday to support them."

– Dennis Hayes, Black cab driver

VJ Day 70th anniversary events to take place

The Queen will attend a service to commomorate VJ Day Credit: PA

The Queen will lead the country today in recalling the sacrifices of British Second World War forces who fought and died defeating Japan.

Thousands of people are expected to attend a series of events that will take place in central London to mark the 70th anniversary of VJ Day.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, the Prime Minister, veterans and former prisoners of war will attend a service at St Martin-in-the Fields Church this morning.

Later the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will be joined by veterans and their families for a fly-past of historic aircraft and a wreath laying ceremony at Horse Guards Parade.

Members of the Armed Forces will then lead veterans and their families in a parade down Whitehall.

Police have urged anyone attending events to mark the 70th anniversary of VJ Day on Saturday to be vigilant.

Reports have claimed the commemorations could be targeted by terrorists but earlier this week Scotland Yard encouraged people to continue with their plans as normal.

"We have reviewed our security plans for this event and I want to reassure people that we will continue to work hard to ensure that this is a safe and secure event.

I would also like to reiterate our long-standing advice to residents and visitors to remain vigilant and alert."

– Dave Musker, Metropolitan Police Commander

A large security operation will be in place in the capital, with road closures in central London between 6am and 5pm.

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