Candles were lit in memory of Borehamwood's dead at a ceremony to mark the start of the First World War.

In a service held by the Royal British Legion and Poppy Appeal, members of the public gathered around the Borehamwood war memorial at 10pm last night to mark the start of the Great War.

Around 50 people, young and old, attended the event, along with a number of Hertsmere councillors.

British Legion branch chairman Dave Lowther read out the names of those that died, while Poppy Appeal organiser Carol Denbigh lit the candles in honour of each of the 39 servicemen named on the memorial.

Mrs Denbigh said: “It was a very moving and peaceful occasion. I was so surprised to see so many people there, it was great. People were talking about their grand-fathers or uncles who they had lost during the war.

I felt very proud that we have done it and can be part of history, to remember those fallen.”

Reverend Tim Warr of All Saints Church also said prayers and when the last candle had been extinguished, Mr Lowther read out the Kohima epitaph "When you go home, tell them of us and say: For your tomorrow, we gave our today."