SPECIAL services and film screenings will take place across south Essex to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.

Friday, July 1 will mark 100 years since the start of the bloodiest fight in military history.

On Canvey, the commemorations will begin at 6.15am with a service at St Nicholas Church, in Long Road.

At 7.30am, a whistle will be blown and motorbikes will rev their engines for one-minute to recreate the noise of the battle.

The names of the 10,000 men who died in the first day of the First World War battle will be displayed on a 100ft banner inside the church

In Southend, a special screening of the Battle of the Somme film will be shown outside the Forum, in Elmer Square at 11am and 7.30pm.

The evening screening will begin with a talk from an expert from the Imperial War Museum, and will be accompanied by a full symphony orchestra.

The musicians came together to form Southend Orchestra 100 for the landmark occasion.

The film is suitable for anyone aged 11 and over.

Christopher Langdon, from Southend Museum, will also be in the Forum foyer between 10am and 4pm to talk about the battle and its impact on Southend.

In Basildon, a vigil will be led by Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, at St Martin’s Church.

At 7.15am a muffled bell will sound from the glass bell tower at the church, in St Martin’s Square, following by a two minute silence.

There will also be a poetry reading by schoolchildren, followed the launch of a specially created CD.