A CACOPHONY of sound will greet people at Poole Harbour on Saturday as the First World War is commemorated.

Poole Harbour Commissioners have asked vessels to sound their whistles for 10 seconds and lower their ensigns to half-mast at 6pm to mark the hour of the first shot being fired at the start of the Great War in 1914.

Leisure craft, yacht clubs and marinas within the harbour are also being encouraged to take part and fill the 10 seconds with klaxons, toots and whistles.

“This is a hugely commemorative event that is worthy of support and we are sure many will be keen to participate,” said harbourmaster Brian Murphy.

“These symbolic actions serve to call for peace and reconciliation as well as remember the victims that perished in the war,” he added.