Shropshire candlelit vigil to mark anniversary of war
[gallery] A candlelit vigil was held at Donnington's War Memorial to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War.
The service took place at 11pm last night – mirroring the exact time hostilities were declared in 1914.
Those taking part in the service, officiated by the Reverend Paula Smith, priest in charge of St Matthews Donnington Wood, Telford, included military personnel from MoD Donnington, cadets and members of the public.
In the same hour, the nation had been urged to switch off lights in places of worship, public buildings, workplaces and homes, and leave one light burning as a symbol of hope in darkness.
Earlier in the day hundreds of people gathered in Shrewsbury's Square for an ceremony that featured a display by Shropshire Youth Theatre of red and black umbrellas which came together to form poppies.
In Belgium, Prime Minister David Cameron said people should "never fail to cherish" peace as he joined the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry for a ceremony at the St Symphorien military cemetery near Mons.
They were joined by some 500 guests including relatives of those laid to rest at St Symphorien, where 229 Commonwealth and 284 German troops are buried, including the first and last British soldiers to die on the Western Front, and the recipient of the first VC of the war.
See also: Video - 'War horses' parade through Church Stretton to mark anniversary
