Hundreds crowded into Liberation Square for the service

Big crowds gathered in St Helier's Liberation Square for the annual event.

It is 59 years since the union flag and the Jersey flag were unfurled side by side in Jersey.

The ceremony signified the end of five years of deprivation and captivity suffered by the islanders at the hands of the German army.

Twenty-seven wreaths were laid at a remembrance service for occupation slave workers.

It took place on Sunday afternoon at the memorial for workers at Westmount Crematorium.

Gary Font, whose father Francisco was a Spanish slave worker, said it was there was a record turn out at the service.

Flypast cancelled

Following the service in Liberation Square the crowd witnessed the re-enactment of events in 1945, including the moment British soldiers set foot in Jersey again.

A flypast of a World War II Dakota plane had to be cancelled because of poor weather conditions.

But Jersey's Lieutenant Governor, Air Chief Marshall Sir John Cheshire, said he would try to make sure it would not happen next year for the 60th celebrations.

Sir John said: "The whole ceremony as a package is a reminder of what happened in 1945 and in the years since.

"The ceremony was marvellous, so it would be wrong to just single out one bit.

"I am sad the Battle of Britain flight wasn't here and I hope it will be next year.

"I shall make a point of trying to get it on behalf of the island."