EAST Tilbury will remember those who fell in the First World War in a service to commemorate Britain’s entry into the conflict.

On August 4, 1914, Britain declared war on Germany after troops violated Belgian neutrality on their way to Paris.

One hundred years to the day, a remembrance service supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund will be held in St Catherine’s Church, near the Coalhouse Fort car park, led by the Royal British Legion.

It is part of the veterans’ charity’s ‘Lights Out’ series of commemorations, so named after Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey’s historic utterance a day before Britain declared war that “The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.”

Following the service, those gathered will be invited to process to Coalhouse Fort where The Last Post will be played and participants will have the opportunity to light candles in memory of fallen friends and family which will be extinguished at the end of the recital.

Communities spokesman Councillor Richard Speight said: “This is a year of commemoration for the whole nation as well as the borough as we remember and honour those who gave their lives in the Great War.

“It is wonderful that Coalhouse Fort - a community-led project that goes from strength to strength - has taken the initiative to mark the anniversary in this poignant way.”

Commemorative candles are available at Marks and Spencer for £4 with all profits going towards the Legion.