CHURCHES in Kidderminster are coming together to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War.

The churches are inviting members of the public from all over the area to join in with two events taking place on the evenings of August 3 and 4.

Firstly, St Mary’s Church will be hosting a service for peace, which features a selection of readings, music and reflection.

During the 6.30pm service, white balloons will be released into the sky bearing messages of peace from churches, schools, care homes, organisations and individuals.

The following evening Brinton Park will host a candlelit vigil, with visitors being asked to meet at either the Park Lane entrance or at Holy Innocents Church at 10.15pm.

Visitors will then move to the park’s bandstand for the vigil to begin at 11pm. At that time, which was the time when war was declared, the candles will be extinguished in remembrance of the lights going out all over Europe.

Heather Prangley, member of Holy Innocents Church, said the visual effects of the two commemorations would be stunning.

“Both events should be visually stunning, moving and memorable events,” she explained.

“They are both ecumenical events for the whole community to come together to remember.”