HUNDREDS of people turned out for a special commemoration in Christchurch for the anniversary of the start of World War One.

The event in Saxon Square on Monday was held prior to a candlelight vigil which started at 10pm for the Lights Out event taking place across the country.

For an hour before the vigil, the commemoration included music from World War 1 played by Christchurch and District Band.

A reading of the poem ‘Lights Out’ written by Edward Thomas was given before the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Denise Jones, spoke movingly about what had led to the start of the war and how it had affected the small town which Christchurch was in those days.

Prayers from Doug Barnett of Twynham Church and Revd John Turpin from Christchurch Priory preceded the Exhortation by Gerry Nunn, chairman of Christchurch Royal British Legion and The Last Post played by Nick Jarvis, director of the Royal British Legion Band.

Following a minute’s silence, Nick Jarvis played Reveille and the lights in Saxon Square dimmed leaving one candle lit in the window of the Mayor’s Parlour overlooking the Square.