LOCAL men who gave their lives in The First World War are to be remembered at a special commemoration service.

The names of the servicemen who died will be read out at St John’s Church in Lostock Gralam at a service marking the centenary of the outbreak of the war.

The roll call of names are of men from Lostock Gralam, Lostock Green, Wincham and Lach Dennis.

As the names are read out by representatives from Lostock Gralam, Wincham and Lach Dennis Parish Councils poppies bearing the names will be placed on a display.

The service will include stories of servicemen, the retelling of the Christmas Day truce and First World War poems.

It takes place at St John’s Church at 10.30am on Sunday, September 28, and will be led by Reverend Brian Harris and worship leaders Graham Sheen and Joyce Kenrick.

Rev Harris believed it would be the first occasion the names of those men from the local communities who died in the war would be read out at a single event.

“The service is intended to honour the sacrifice of the men who gave their lives and to value the freedom we have,” said Rev Harris.

“I hope it touches people at a deep level and inspires feelings of gratitude, solemnity, a recognition of the evil of war and a determination to do everything we can to avoid a repetition of that in our generation.”

The service begins with the announcement of war, followed by the extinguishing of candles linked to the remark by British Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey that ‘the lamps are going out all over Europe’.

Parish councils and representatives from local schools have been invited to attend the service, which is also open to the public.

Rev Harris’ grandfathers Mark Harris and William Millet served in the Army Service Corps, and survived the conflict.

The church hall plays host the previous day to songs and music from the war and afternoon tea, which runs from 2pm.

Tickets are £5, and people are encouraged by obtain tickets in advance by ringing 42943, 42940 or 891765.