A SERVICE to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War will take place at Hexham Abbey.

Members of the public are invited to attend the service, hosted by the Duchess of Northumberland in her role as Lord Lieutenant for Northumberland, The Queen’s official representative for the county, on Sunday, November 11, at 3pm.

Serving and former service personnel and local dignitaries will be in attendance during the event which will feature contributions from the Abbey Choir, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Band and members of the Northumberland Theatre Company.

The Duchess will lay a wreath on behalf of the Queen, to commemorate those who died during the battle. She said: “The First World War claimed the lives of 16m people, involved over 100 countries and had an impact on the lives of every town and village in our country.

“In our own county, the Northumberland Fusiliers lost over 16,000 men during the course of the War.

“I hope the service at Hexham Abbey will provide an opportunity to reflect on the great sacrifices made by so many in the War to help shape the world in which we now live.”

The service is expected to be well attended so people are being asked to arrive well in advance of 2.45pm.

The town’s annual Remembrance Sunday service will take place earlier in the day.