BEACONS have been lit tonight across the country, including in Pamber and Silchester, to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War.

In Pamber Park, before the lighting of the beacon, one of some 1,300 across the country, a new bench was also dedicated to the fallen of the Great War from the parish.

Basingstoke and Deane mayor Councillor Sean Keating did the honours of unveiling the bench alongside Pamber Parish Council chairman Cllr Chris Goss and Reverend Cathy Pynn, vicar of St Luke's Church in Pamber Heath.

The bench contains both a poppy design but also the silhouettes of First World War soldiers, in a similar fashion to the Silent Soldiers which have been installed across the region this year.

Rev Pynn addressed the gathered audience and said: "The bench that has been given by Pamber Parish Council on behalf of all us in memory of all those who gave their lives in World War One."

During the ceremony, a parade featuring Royal British Legion members and youth service groups such as the Air Cadets, Scouts and Brownies formed up.

After forming up, the names of the 23 men of Pamber and their 31 of Tadley who fell in the conflict were read out as youngsters from service groups placed a cross in the ground to represent each one of the soldiers.

A beacon was also lit in Silchester, outside of the Calleva Arms, with a a peal of bells while the lighting in Pamber was followed by a fireworks display.