A POIGNANT event marking the centenary of the First World War was held in Rubery on Monday evening.

The Rubery branch of the Royal British Legion took part in the nationwide event Lights Out, in which everyone involved was encouraged to turn off their lights between 10pm and 11pm.

Participants were then encouraged to leave only a single light on or light a candle.

The event was organised and held on August 4 - marking the 100th anniversary of the date Great Britain entered the war.

Rubery's event began with Stephanie Cottrell, from Rubery Youth Marching Band, playing the Last Post.

The candle lighting took place at the memorial garden of the New Road-based headquarters of the legion.

Reflective poetry was read by village poet Giovanni 'Spoz' Esposito, while Matthew Long’s led a rendition of It’s a long way to Tipperary. Guests then joined in the singing of other well-known First World War songs.

The legion's entertainment secretary, Caroline Harris, said: "We were amazed at the amount of people that attended this small venue so late in the evening, especially the younger members.

"A wonderful mark of respect was shown to the many that fought for our country."