A VIGIL to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme will take place on July 1 at noon at the War Memorial in Plymouth Road.

This is one of many vigils which will take place all over the country to mark this battle which 100 years ago almost 60,000 British lives were lost on the first day alone.

Around 50 Redditch soldiers lost their lives during the course of the battle which lasted 141 days which ended on November 18.

The vigil will last about 20 minutes and everyone is welcome.

For more information, call 01527 544068.