Events are being held across Europe to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two.

In Paris, French president François Hollande kicked off ceremonies by paying homage to General Charles de Gaulle, before heading up the Champs Elysees towards the Arc de Triomphe.

Guest of honour, US Secretary of state John Kerry, whose mother was born in France and who speaks fluent French, appeared moved at the ceremony, where he joined Hollande in laying a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier.

In Germany, where President Joachim Gauck is laying a wreath at a cemetery for Soviet soldiers, the parliament met in a special session this morning.

And just hours after polling stations closed in the UK, three days of national commemorations marking the 70th anniversary of VE Day begin with a service of remembrance at the Cenotaph in London.

Russia, which lost more citizens to the war than any other nation, will stage its biggest-ever military parade during its Victory ceremony in