Community groups and businesses in Halstead are rallying round to help with the town’s First World War centenary commemoration.

The Halstead Royal British Legion is planning a weekend of events later this month when the town will remember those who fought during the Great War.

The group has relied on help from the community to organise a fun day and they say they have been inundated with volunteers wishing to contribute.

Event organiser Hayley Kiff said: “We can’t thank enough all of those who will be creating a shop window display, having a stall on the day, contributing to the entertainment, and those who have taken adverts in the programme.

“The list is endless and we are so very grateful for all the support. It truly shows that this is a real community event and will appropriately commemorate such a poignant and significant part of our history and pay tribute to those who fought and continue to fight for us all.”

Among the groups offering help and support are Halstead WI, Halstead Rotary, guides, Halstead in Bloom and the Chamber of Trade.

A number of schools in the town will also be contributing, while funeral director Daniel Robinson has helped with money towards a new commemorative flower bed.

Along with the fun day, a film on the First World War will be shown at the Empire Theatre on Friday, June 29.

The fun day will take place in Halstead Public Gardens the day after, before a service of commemoration will take place at 3pm on Sunday, July 1.

Earlier this year, the Royal British Legion issued an appeal for families and friends of soldiers who died in the First World War to come forward and play a role in the memorial service, which will also be held in the public gardens.

Ms Kiff added: “We have been contacted by a number of relatives of those from Halstead killed in WW1 who will be joining us for the service. Their stories about the soldiers makes this even more poignant and personal.

“We are still hoping that other family members get in contact with us.”

Anyone wishing to get in touch with Halstead Royal British Legion should contact 07834 467136.