TWO pubs in Shipston and one in Brailes are marking the start of the First World War with two special events.

The Horseshoe Inn, Shipston, is hosting a Trench poetry recital at 8pm on Monday, August 4 followed by a two-minute candlelit vigil at 10pm as part of the Lights Out event.

Lights Out will see people turn off their lights between 10pm and 11pm, leaving on either a single candle or light as a mark of respect and to reflect on the significance of the historic date.

A similar candlelit vigil will also take place in The Black Horse Inn, Shipston, and The George Inn, Brailes.

Pub landlord Baggy Saunders said: "It would be quite nice if youngsters came. Young and old are welcome. We're encouraging people to come and read their favourite piece, whether it be somebody who's well known like Wilfred Owen or something their great-grandfather wrote in the trenches. I

"It doesn't matter, it's just the poignancy of the occasion."