DURSLEY is to commemorate the centenary of the start of the First World War with the first of a series of events spanning the four-year period of the conflict's anniversary.

August marks the 100th anniversary of the day Britain entered one of the costliest conflicts in history with fighting continuing until the 11th of November 1918, Armistice Day.

On Sunday, August 3 a commemorative parade will start at May Lane bus station at 2:30pm which will parade down to St James’ Church where a service will be held followed by an Act of Remembrance at the recently-restored War Memorial Gates.

Long Street will be closed to traffic for the Act of Remembrance between 3.45pm and 4.15pm.

The following day a country-wide event organised by the Royal British Legion will take place with everyone asked to turn their lights out from 10pm to 11pm and leave a single candle alight for a shared moment of reflection.

A slightly earlier event is taking place at Lower Cam’s war memorial with the Rev Ian Robb leading the service at 9.45pm.

Over the course of the next four years Dursley Heritage Centre will be displaying a rolling programme of exhibitions exploring the impact of the war on people in Dursley.

It is hoped to hold a community event with music, poetry and readings later in the year.

If anyone would like to help with organising this they should contact the town council.

If you have any questions or require further information, contact town clerk Helen Bojaniwska on 01453 547758 or email clerk@dursleytowncouncil.gov.uk