As the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War approaches Huddersfield is preparing to mark the occasion.

A host of events are planned including on Saturday night a Massed Voices in Commemoration of Heroes concert at Huddersfield Town Hall.

On Sunday Kirklees Mayor, Clr Ken Smith, will lead the remembrance by unveiling Farnley Tyas War Memorial at 10am at The Village, followed by a service at St Lucius Church.

Later on Sunday the mayor will attend a church service at Huddersfield Parish Church at 4pm on Sunday with the Bishop of Pontefract, the Right Rev Tony Robinson, as guest speaker.

At the end of the service a flame will be lit which will continue burning until November 11 2018, the centenary of the Armistice.

The Rev Canon Simon Moor said: “Huddersfield Parish Church is honoured to host this significant moment in the history of our nation.

“This weekend marks the beginning of the First World War, which was for Great Britain August 4 1914. The service will focus thoughts on Remembrance, thoughts on Peace and prayers of Hope.

“Thousands of individuals from West Yorkshire lost their lives during the four years of conflict.

“The centenary marks a hundred years when there has been armed conflicts in different parts of the world during that time. With contributions from different faith groups there is focus on peace and hope in what is still at times a violent planet. “

On Monday Clr Smith and mayoress Christine Smith will lay a wreath at Cleckheaton Memorial Park from 10.30am.

At 10pm on Monday all Kirklees residents can show their appreciation for the fallen with a ‘lights out’ - a national initiative that asks households to turn their lights off and light a single candle.

Kirkheaton St John the Baptist Church is hosts an exhibition to remember those in the parish who lost their lives in WWI, the exhibition is organised by the Kirkheaton Family History Group and runs until all month.

Kirklees Council has also launched a dedicated web page which includes more details of events taking place. Visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/lestweforget for details.

In Calderdale, mayor Clr Pat Allen will unveil a memorial stone at Stainland Memorial Park at 11am on Saturday at the invite of the Elland, Greetland and District Branch of The Royal British Legion, followed by a Sunday Service of Commemoration at Elland War Memorial at Hullen Edge.

Calderdale is also taking place in the ‘lights out’ initiative with an event at Halifax Town Hall at 10pm.