Poland is marking the 20th anniversary of the elections that led to the formation of the first non-communist government in the former Soviet bloc.

Ceremonies began with a service at Krakow cathedral attended by PM Donald Tusk and the former leader of the Solidarity union movement, Lech Walesa.

In 1989, Solidarity won an overwhelming victory in the first, partially-free elections in communist Eastern Europe.

The vote paved the way for the gradual end of communist rule in the region.