PERSHORE will remember the fallen of the First World War in the coming days as the centenary of the start of the conflict takes place.

It will be exactly 100 years on Monday, August 4, since Great Britain was declared part of the war, which would later become to be known as the Great War.

Beginning this weekend events will be held to commemorate the men that died in battle and it will be particularly poignant for some.

Trudy Burge, who has helped to organise the parade, said the commemorations held a special place in her heart.

"It's very poignant for me because I have done a lot of research on the 101 men. One of them is my grandfather's brother. My mother's grandfather also fought but he survived.

"I have found out a lot thanks to the Evesham Journal and Berrows Journal archives and an article which led to me being in touch with Sandra Taylor from the Remember the Fallen Website.

"She had a photo of James, my grandfather's brother. It is the only one we had. It has brought such joy to my family. He is identical to my uncle Chris who passed away. For the Evesham Journal we wouldn't have had that photo."

The commemorations begin on Sunday, August 3, with the Pershore town service of reflection taking place at Pershore Abbey.

The commemoration, which is open to all residents, has been organised by the town council and the town's three churches. It will begin at 3pm.

The following day the Royal British Legion Commemorative Parade will take place in Broad Street from 1.30pm.

During the service, the names of the town's Roll of Honour of 101 Fallen men will be read out before the Royal British Legion flag is raised. This will fly throughout August along side the Union Jack at both the town hall and the naval club.

Mrs Burge added: "Nobody wants to glorify the start of the war but it is a special time because it's the beginning of the centenary.

"I can't think that there's a family in Pershore that haven't been effected. 550 men went to war from Pershore and 101 didn't come back."