People across the district will gather to mark the 65th anniversary of the atomic bombings which destroyed the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

On Monday, August 6, 1945, the bomb code-named Little Boy was dropped over Hiroshima, killing an estimated 140,000 by the end of the year.

A few days later, on Thursday, August 9, the bomb code-named Fat Man was dropped on Nagasaki, with an estimated 90,000 people dying by the end of 1945.

A range of events will take place across the district this month, including an A-Bomb Exhibition, which opened yesterday in the Pop Up Art Space in Centenary Square, Bradford. It will run until Tuesday, August 17, from 10am until 4pm.

On Monday there will be a remembrance event at the Pop Up Art Space at 5pm when the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Peter Hill, will rededicate the memorial stone in Norfolk Gardens. The event has been organised by Yorkshire CND and Bradford City for Peace.

A vigil with readings will also take place from 8am to 9am on Friday in Keighley Town Hall Square. Those attending the event have been asked to take a postcard stating one action they would like to do to bring about a nuclear weapons-free world.

The event has been organised by Keighley Peace, Justice and the Environment Network.

Yorkshire CND development worker Hannah Tweddell said: “We will always remember the two days when atomic bombs were dropped on Japan inflicting such devastation. These memorial events are a chance to reflect on the long-lasting effects that occur when nuclear weapons are used.”

For details on the Bradford events, contact Yorkshire CND on (01274) 730795 or e-mail info@yorkshirecnd.org.uk. For details on the Keighley event contact Sylvia Boyes on (01274) 824271 or e-mail robinandsylvia@aol.com.