A MEMORIAL service has been held to honour hundreds of young soldiers a century after they marched away to war.

On May 20, 1915, the 800 men of the 160th (Wearside) Brigade Royal Field Artillery paraded through Sunderland for the last time before marching off to complete their training and shipping out to the Western Front.

A hundred years to the day, their bravery was honoured at a service held at Sunderland Minster attended by descendents of those who served at which the brigade’s memorial standard was dedicated.

The standard was funded by Sunderland City Council after the authority was approached by veterans groups.

After the blessing of the Memorial Banner, a lone bugler sounded the Last Post to bring the service to an end.

The 160th (Wearside) Brigade was formed by volunteers from as far south as Darlington and as far north as Blyth, with miners and shipyard workers standing alongside those from wealthy families to sign-up.

Mayor of Sunderland, Cllr Stuart Porthouse, who hosted today’s service, said: "It is fitting that a hundred years after the men of the 160th Wearside Brigade took their first salute from the then Mayor as they marched off to war, that I should now represent the people of our city to present a new standard in their honour.

"This Dedication and Memorial Service is another opportunity to remember the sacrifice made by our community in the First World War, and commemorate the founding of our ‘friends brigade’ who banded together to serve their country.

"The 160th Wearside Brigade was established by local people from Sunderland and our neighbouring towns and villages, and highlights their willingness and bravery to join the fight to preserve our way of life."