You can take part in ceremonies and events to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

Braintree Council’s offices at Causeway House, Braintree Town Hall, Braintree District Museum, Braintree Leisure Centre, Braintree Swimming Centre and Bramston Sports Centre in Witham, will switch off their lights from 10pm to 11pm on Monday as a mark of respect.

Residents are invited to turn off their lights and leave on a single light or candle.

Witham Town Council and the Royal British Legion have organised two events in Witham.

On Sunday at 4pm a service of commemoration will be held at St Nicolas Church, in Chipping Hill.

Before the service, the bells will be rung 100 times.

A display of photographs and memorabilia will be available in the church hall that afternoon.

On Monday at 7pm, there will be a parade from the RAFA Club in Bridge Street, led by the Stow Caledonian Pipe Band, down Newlands Street to the memorial gardens, where there will be a short commemorative service led by the Royal British Legion chaplain, the Revd Michael Child, and mayor Janet Money will lay a civic wreath on behalf of the community.

The High Sheriff of Essex, Nick Charrington, and Braintree Council chairman, Sue Wilson, will take the salute on the steps of the Town Hall.

At St Mary’s Church in Kelvedon, there will be service at 9pm on Monday followed by candle lighting at 10pm.

Braintree Museum in Manor Street is holding an exhibition, Braintree District at War, highlighting the experiences of local people at home and abroad during the war years.

It will be held from next Tuesday to December 19.

Feering and Kelvedon Local History Museum in Maldon Road, Kelvedon, also has an exhibition.

It is open on Mondays from 2pm-5pm, excluding public holidays and Saturdays 9.30am-12.30pm.

* Do you have any memorabilia from the First World War or anecdotes left by your relatives? Share them with our readers by writing to bwtnews@nqe.com