WARRINGTON’S Mayor is backing a ‘Lights Out’ event on Monday to mark 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War.

At 11pm on August 4, 1914 Britain declared war on Germany, ushering in one of the darkest periods in our history.

On the eve of the conflict, as the ultimatum to Germany was about to expire, Sir Edward Grey, Foreign Secretary made the infamous remark: “The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.”

Lights Out is a national commemoration to mark the sombre occasion.

People in the borough are being asked to turn all their lights off in their home between 10pm and 11pm with a single light or lit candle in one room.

Mayor Clr Ted Finnegan said: “Warrington has very proud links with our armed forces. Regrettably so many soldiers from Warrington gave their lives in the First World War and few families were left unscathed and none untouched by this bitter conflict.

“I would encourage every household to take part in this moment of shared reflection and respect. Personally, a solitary lamp will be left on in my parlour at the Town Hall on the evening of Monday, August 4 and I shall be spending time reflecting on the bravery of those who fought and those who fell for our country.”

He will also be holding a ceremony on the day at the Town Hall to mark the start of four years of events to mark the war including the renaming of a room.