THOSE who fought in the First World War will be remembered at a special event in Widnes this weekend.

The Widnes branch of the Royal British Legion and the Widnes Royal Artillery will be joined by schoolchildren at Victoria Park on Saturday (September 8) for a parade and service of commemoration.

Spokesman Mike McNicholas said: "This year, 2018, sees 100 years since the end of the Great War, as it was called until 1939.

"To commemorate this we at Widnes are holding a day to remember, not just the men who gave their lives for king and country but also the men and women who stayed at home to 'keep the home fires burning' by filling the roles of the men on active service."

The Widnes branch received a letter from Buckingham Palace last month thanking them for their efforts in marking the anniversary.

It states: "It was kind of you to tell Her Majesty of the hard work put into this initiative by the students and of their research remembering those named on your local memorial who died during that terrible conflict.

"The Queen is second to none in her admiration and appreciation for all those who have given their lives in the service of their country and Her Majesty was touched to know of this special initiative."

READ MORE HERE: parade commemorates centenary of the end of the first world war

Saturday's event, supported by Halton Council, will include a parade featuring representatives from the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force as well as more than 216 children from schools and organisations across the town.

Also attending are the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs and Halton MP Derek Twigg.

The parade will start at 10.30am and proceed to the war memorial where a small introduction will take place and the children will then lay placards and wreaths in memory of the fallen soldiers.

After the parade there will be a fun day in the park with various stalls and free amusements.

All donations will go to the Royal British Legion's Poppy Fund.