MIDDLEWICH will mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme with a commemoration service in the town centre.

As part of the wider Middlewich Reflects Great War Project, the public are invited to attend the event at the Bull Ring on Friday, July 1 from 11am, 100 years to the minute since the battle began.

Events on the day will include the laying of wreaths at the war memorial by mayor Pam Farrell and other guests, as well as readings from Middlewich High School pupils based on life in the trenches.

Middlewich Town Council, in partnership with Middlewich Heritage Trust and Middlewich Royal British Legion, are also putting on a unique trail displaying a collection of the town’s history.

‘Middlewich WWI Window Displays @ Middlewich Town Centre’ will see images and information about the battle, donated by residents, displayed along Lewin Street and Wheelock Street.

In the library window, Geoff Page’s research into the 20 Middlewich men commemorated on town memorials will be on display. He has found, recorded, and placed a cross at each of their graves.

The Accord Clinic in Hightown will feature a sneak preview of Philip Andrew’s latest book, detailing the Middlewich soldiers and how the town responded to their efforts.

Heritage officer Kerry Fletcher said: “Many know the name of the battle but perhaps don’t know the importance of it. It is said that not one family in the UK escaped its grip.”

The Battle of the Somme claimed nearly 420,000 British casualties over 141 days during the First World War.