LIGHTS are to be turned off at landmark buildings across South Lakeland tonight to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

The Lights Out campaign will see people and organisations across the UK switching off lights from 10pm to 11pm - leaving on just a single light or candle for a shared moment of reflection to mark the anniversary day.

In South Lakeland, lights will go out at key council-owned buildings and landmarks such as Kendal Castle, Kendal Town Hall and Ulverston’s Coronation Hall.

It is expected that thousands of households across Cumbria will follow suit, each keeping only a  candle or solitary light burning as a mark of respect.

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As part of the same commemorations, the Kendal Branch of the Royal British Legion is holding a period of reflection at Kendal’s Market Place Cenotaph at 10pm tonight.

Representatives from South Lakeland District Council will be present at the war memorial, when there will be a reading of John McCrae's poem ‘In Flanders Fields' and the giving of the Exhortation, followed by the sounding of 'Sunset' by buglers of Kendal Sea Cadets.

Coun Chris Hogg, South Lakeland District Council’s portfolio holder for arts, culture and events, said: “It is fitting that the council should be marking this historic occasion by supporting the Lights Out campaign, and we would encourage others to do likewise.”