ALCESTER residents whose families have connections with the Battle of the Somme are being invited to a wreath laying ceremony.

The Alcester branch of the Royal British Legion is joining forces with Alcester Ladies Flower Club in a short service of remembrance to those who lost their lives during the battle, which started on July 1, 1916.

The local list of those known to have fallen during the battle, which took the lives of 57,000 soldiers in the first 24 hours, consists of Thomas Devey, Roland Tipping, Percy Edkins, Herbert Tomlin, Thomas Hancock, Arthur Wheeler and William Hemming.

The gathering will be held at noon on July 1 at Alcester War Memorial. Anyone who would like to attend can call Peter Robinson on 01789 762460.