ALCESTER marked the 100th anniversary of the First World War with a commemorate service and a vigil.

On Sunday, August 3, St Nicholas’ Church was filled with local people wishing to pay their respects to those who suffered in the conflict.

On Monday, August 4, a candlelit vigil marked the exact moment when King Albert met with his council to sign the declaration of war.

People of all ages gathered around the church memorial for the historical event and together they remembered those who died.

At 11pm, the town lights were turned off and a single flame burnt on the steps of the war memorial as an act of renewal and hope.

The chairman of the Alcester Branch of The Royal British Legion, Mike Gittus, said: “This has been a moving weekend for Alcester. I will never forget the candle lit vigil at the war memorial where many were moved to tears both young and old. It was a very special moment in time.”