The Ely branch of the Royal British Legion is inviting East Cambridgeshire households and companies to join together in a moment of reflection to mark 100 years to the day that Britain entered the Great War.

Lights Out is an initiative encouraging everyone to turn off their lights between 10pm and 11pm on August 4 – leaving only a single light or candle as a symbolic act of reflection.

A spokesman for the Ely’s Royal British Legion said: “On the night, we will remember more than a million British and colonial service personnel and merchant seaman who lost their lives in the First World War.

“We will be holding a commemoration in Ely’s Market Place at 10pm on August 4, involving the lighting of a symbolic candle on the war memorial and having a brief candle lit ceremony, which will include the reading of some poems and a two-minute silence.

“Everyone is welcome to attend and anyone wishing to bring a candle should place it in a suitable container to stop the wind from blowing it out, or you may bring a torch. “A special centenary candle is available to buy from Marks and Spencer, priced at £4. All profits from which will support serving members of the Armed Forces and veterans of all ages and their families.”