THE UK will plunge into darkness in August to mark the start of the First World War, and Rochford District Council will be part of it.

The ‘Lights Out’ campaign is an invitation to everyone in the country to turn off their lights from 10pm to 11pm on Monday, August 4, just leaving on a single light or candle.

The time period marks the hour Britain entered the war, 100 years ago, and the event is intended as a shared moment of reflection.

The council will turn off all but one light at their Rayleigh and Rochford offices, as well as Rayleigh Windmill.

June Lumley, chairman of Rochford District Council, said: “The ‘Lights Out’ campaign is a simple but effective and creative way of marking the start of the First World War.

“I am proud that Rochford District Council is taking part in this national campaign, and urge residents across the district to participate in this important and symbolical act too.”

The Royal British Legion will also hold a commemorative candlelit service, conducted by reverend John Townsend, of Holy Trinity Church, outside the Royal British Legion Memorial are in Rayleigh at 10pm.

‘Lights Out’ is a project of the cultural programme 14-18 NOW, initiated by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.