A special Lights Out ceremony is being held at the War Memorial in St Gregory’s church in Bedale to mark the start of the First World War.

Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey uttered the words: “The lamps are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime” on August 4, 1914. Lights Out is the initiative to encourage everyone in the UK to turn off their lights between 10pm and 11pm, leaving only a single candle as a symbol of reflection and hope.

Graham Morris, Bedale Branch Secretary of the Royal British Legion said they will be holding the candle lit service at 10.45pm on August 4 at the memorial to remember more than a million Commonwealth Service personnel who lost their lives in the war.

Centenary candles are available at Nickery Nook in Bedale for £4 or from M&S stores for the same price; with all proceeds going to The Royal British Legion.

Mr Morris said:”We would encourage all to come along, with or without a candle, to join this act of reflection.”