FORMER Japanese prisoners of war from Preston are heading for London to protest against a top military honour for Japan's Emperor.

Scores of the town's war veterans will descend on the capital next month, to witness the Queen presenting Emperor Akihito of Japan with the Order of the Garter - the highest British honour for chivalry.

A rally cry from ex-soldier Arthur Titherington, from Darwen, to all of Preston's ex-POWs has seen the Burma Star old guard kick into action, ready to vent their anger when Emperor Akihito arrives in the country.

A spokesman for the local branch of the Japanese Labour Camp Survivors' Association said scores of veterans are planning to make the 300-mile trip to London on May 26.

He said: "The visit is in very poor taste. Admittedly, Akihito is only the son to the emperor who was leader during World War Two, but to us it is a political trip which is stamping on the memory of the dead soldiers."

Although the protest will be peaceful, it will deliver a massive snub to the Emporer.

The visit, which takes place May 26-29, will see the Emperor place a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, before receiving the honour at the palace.

The spokesman added: "As the royal car proceeds up The Mall with the Emperor, we will all turn our backs on the car, so hopefully the Queen will get the message.

"The honour is entirely politically motivated and, if that is why honours are handed out, not only does it devalue the honours system, it makes a mockery of those who really do show chivalry on the battlefield."

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