POIGNANT commemorations are taking place across Copeland to mark the Battle of the Somme centenary.

Bransty and Kells Royal British Legions teamed up host an emotional ceremony to commemorate those who died - with an act of remembrance at Whitehaven war memorial in Castle Park.

Cleator Moor residents came together for a special event of music, food and singing at the town's Methodist Church.

The Battle of the Somme took place from 1 July to 18 November 1916 and has come to symbolise the enormous losses and dreadful conditions of the First World War. There were 20,000 casualties on the first day alone.

The British Legions' event in Whitehaven began with the blowing of a whistle three times as officers of the battalions and regiments did to signal their troops to start advancing. People were invited to bring their own whistle and join in the signal.

Copeland elected mayor, Mike Starkie, was there along with local councillors to pay his respects.

He said: "The Somme was a very significant event in the First World War because so many people lost their lives. I think it's important to hold events like this because, together with all the media coverage, it lets the younger generation know what these soldiers went through. We cannot forget the sacrifices these men made."

Horrendous weather in Cleator Moor meant an emotional half-hour brass band concert was moved indoors into a packed Cleator Moor Methodist Church.

The town's square was glowing red after 800 hand-made poppies were donated to mark the event from the local community, Montreal School, Copeland Occupational and Social Centre and Cleator Women's Institute.

The packed Methodist church enjoyed brass band favourites, including It's a Long Way to Tipperary which had the audience clapping and singing along.

This was followed by a presentation of stories about some of those who survived the Somme, from Cleator Moor Chamber of Trade Chairman Dave Farrell.

A list of 53 soldiers linked to the Cleator Moor area who died during the Somme was then read out. There was then a performance of The Last Post, a two minutes silence and a recital of the national anthem.

The event was organised by Cleator Moor Town Council and supported by the Town Team, Cleator Women's Institute, Phoenix Youth Project, St Mary's and St John's churches as will as the Cleator Moor Methodist Church.

Refreshments were provided by Cleator Moor Town Council and served by the Methodist Church ladies in the Methodist Church hall following the service. Phoenix Youth Project prepared a display and supported the ladies to serve refreshments.

There was competition held in PYP to design a logo for wreaths that will be used on the day - for which Cleator Moor Town Council supplied a prize.

Town council clerk, Helen Gilmour, said: "We felt it was important to do something to mark the event because without these people, we wouldn't have the freedoms that we do today."

Another event will be held at Whitehaven United Reformed Church, on James Street, tonight from 6.30pm until 7.30pm. There will be a short act of worship and a time of reflection.

And in St Bees School Chapel tonight at 7.30pm, readings, pictures and music will be used to tell the story of some well-known St Bees names who were killed in the action.