A NORTH-East authority has revealed a £30,000 plan to commemorate the centenary of the First World War by creating a light installation.

Durham County Council agreed to fund two projects marking the 100th anniversary of the end of the war at a meeting yesterday.

As well as the art installation, to be projected at Millennium Place, Durham, for two weeks later this year, it will fund a reprisal of the Durham Hymns at The Gala Theatre.

The piece was commissioned in 2016 to commemorate the sacrifice of soldiers at the Somme.

Councillor Ossie Johnson said: “I believe there’s no family in County Durham who has not been touched by the ultimate sacrifice which so many gave to ensure the continuation of our democratic way of life for future generations.”

Around 20 communities have already signed up to take part in a national chain of beacons, which will be lit all over the country on November 11.

Cllr Johnson added that he hoped more communities would get involved.

A number of other events are planned to mark the date, including placing a memorial stone to the Durham Pals in the village of Bus Les Artois, at the Somme.