War-time community spirit was brought back to life as hundreds of people took part in “once in a lifetime” centenary events.

Halstead WI dressed in early 1900s waitress outfits to host their themed tea party on Saturday at the United Reformed Church, serving tea, sandwiches and cake for £1.05 - the equivalent of one guinea.

The WI Warblers also gave renditions of popular wartime tunes.

On Sunday, Long Melford silver band entertained spectators in the public gardens, who ate picnics and enjoyed old favourites in the sunshine.

The weekend was rounded off by the release of 20,000 poppy petals from St Andrew’s Church on Monday following a commemoration service which filled the church to capacity.

During the service, commemorative candles were lit in the church and burned until 11pm when they were extinguished, marking the moment in 1914 when Britain declared war on Germany.

For the full story, see this week's Halstead Gazette.