A STAINED glass window will be a poignant backdrop during a service to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War One on Monday August 4.

The centenary will be commemorated with a service at St Peter's Church, in Shipley, and a vigil for peace on Monday, August 4.

The parish of St Peter’s Shipley was established in 1909, just five years before the outbreak of war. More than 100 men from the parish died in the conflict and their names are recorded on a memorial in the church in Moorhead Lane.

And the main east window of the church is a significant World War One memorial, commemorating a soldier from the parish who died fighting in France in 1918.

The Rev John Rainer of St Peter's explained the need to commemorate the start of the horrific conflict.

"Our war memorials show that the Great War had a profound impact on Shipley and Saltaire as it did on thousands of communities across the nation.

"It is very important that we continue to honour those who laid down their lives and pray that such conflict never happens again," he said.

The hour-long service at 7.30pm will consist of hymns, readings, music, silence and prayers, looking back at the events of World War One and its consequences for the modern world.

Anyone who would like to is then invited to join a prayer-vigil for peace in present-day theatres of war.

The congregation would like to offer a particular invitation to local people whose families were affected or damaged by the events of the Great War.

People can contact the church office on (01274) 400381 for directions or any further enquiries.