A SPECIAL evening is being planned to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

Organisers of the national Lights Out initiative are encouraging people across the UK to turn off their lights between 10pm and 11pm on Monday, August 4, to mark a century since Britain entered the conflict and honour those killed over the following four years.

At the time, Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey said: “The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.”

In Durham, a remembrance event will be staged including a sherry reception, three-course candlelit supper and short service.

It will be held at Durham School, on Quarryheads Lane, from 7pm.

Tickets are £35, with proceeds going to the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

To book, call the RBL Durham Framwellgate Moor branch’s Pat Johnson on 07885-814-672.