JAPANESE prisoners of war remembered fallen comrades in a rain-sodden tribute at Leigh war memorial on Tuesday.

They gathered as part of a protest against Emperor Akihito's visit to England.

And among them was Tom Boardman from Milnes Avenue, Leigh, who spent three years building the infamous Burma Railway.

"I was at Chung Kai for three years. It was just as bad as people tell you. I will never forget it nor the friends I left behind," said Tom.

The ceremony, described by Leigh RBL vice president Joe Twist as a protest against the Emperor's visit, culminated in two minutes silence at 11am.

Mr Twist said the Legion were still looking for an apology from the Emperor.

"It has been a big injustice ever since the end of the war."

And Presdient Alf Holmes said: The visit should never have happened. We are all disgusted."

Pictured at the war memorial are Mr Boardman, Mr Twist and Mr Holmes.

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