A MAJOR exhibition to commemorate the centenary of the First World War opens in Worcester’s Cathedral Square later this month.

Fields of Battle - Lands of Peace 14/18 displays the work of international award-winning photojournalist Michael St Maur Sheil.

The exhibition will be in Cathedral Square from Saturday, August 25, to the end of September as part of the city’s History Month.

Captured over a period of eight years, Michael St Maur Sheil’s photography depicts First World War battlefields around the world as they are today.

Mr Sheil said: “This collection represents a legacy which I hope will create a gateway to the battlefields themselves, thus encouraging people to visit these historic landscapes and to create awareness and understanding of the events and historical implications of the First World War.”

The Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Lt-Col Patrick Holcroft, will officially open the exhibition on Saturday, September 1, at 10.55am.

Michael St. Maur Sheil will also be present at the launch, and will give a brief introduction to the exhibition.

At 11am bells from Worcester Cathedral will ring out to mark the opening.

Ian Gregson, manager for the Worcestershire World War One Hundred programme says: “I am thrilled that working with our partners, we can showcase the full Fields of Battle – Lands of Peace exhibition for the people of Worcester.

“This outdoor display will enable people to see for themselves how time and nature have changed the battlegrounds of the First World War. We hope as many people as possible come out to see these stunning and poignant images.”