Residents and dignitaries gathered to commemorate one of the biggest battles of the Great War.

A service commemorating the 99th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme in memory and tribute to the Accrington Pals was held at Church Street Gardens next to St James’ Church in Accrington on Wednesday, July 1.

The service was attended by Mayor Marlene Haworth and officiated by Rev Ian Enticott.

Representatives from the Royal British Legion read out names in a roll call of the members of the 11th Service Battalion Accrington East Lancashire Regiment Pals.

Poems including A Soldier’s Cemetery written by John William Streets were read out, wreaths were laid and the Last Post was also played during the service.

On the first day of the Battle of the Somme on July 1, 1916, the Accrington Pals suffered severe losses and more than 600 men were injured in the offensive.