COMMUNITIES across Wyre Forest commemorated the 100 year anniversary of the start of the First World War with special services and events.

On Monday evening hundreds of people took part in a candlelit vigil at Brinton Park, which was organised by Churches Together in Kidderminster and led by Reverends Alex Vaccaro and Denise Williamson.

During a short programme of hymns, prayers and a commitment to peace the park was a sea of candlelight and then at 11pm, the time war was declared, all the flames were extinguished as a reminder of Sir Edward Grey’s remark “the lamps are going out all over Europe”.

Heather Prangley, a member of The Holy Innocents’ Church who attended the vigil, said: “The event was moving and memorable and a fitting tribute to all who served that we might be free.”

A similar vigil, which included a two minute silence, was held in Bewdley in front of the war memorial and more than 100 people paid their respects at the event organised by the town’s Royal British Legion branch.

Earlier in the day other legion representatives and civic leaders from the district attended a commemoration service at Wyre Forest Crematorium, while in Bewdley a play set in 1914 took place at the Green Theatre in Jubilee Gardens.

On Sunday a service at St Mary’s Church in Kidderminster featured the release of more than 100 white balloons bearing messages of love, peace and friendship from churches, schools, care homes, organisations and individuals.