Helston has begun its 100th anniversary of the start of World War One commemorations with a civic service.

This special one-off event marked the second civic service for mayor Mike Thomas since he took up the office in May.

Mr Thomas, joined by his wife Briege as mayoress, led a parade to the parish church of St Michael’s, where the commemoration service was held.

Also joining the parade were his town beadle and macebearers, deputy mayor, town clerk, councillors and invited guests from other towns in the area.

There was music from Helston Town Band, the Helston Air Corps were represented and the standards were carried by members of the Association of Wrens.

The service was led by the mayor’s chaplain Canon David Miller.

Hymns sung were Eternal Father Strong to Save, I Vow to Thee My Country, O God Our Help In Ages Past and Lead Us Heavenly Father Lead Us.

The Roll of Honour of Helston’s war dead, named on the town war memorial, were read out by councillor Martine Knight who leads a World War One commemoration group, and the winning entries of a school poetry competition were read.

George Harvey, aged ten from Cury Primary School, and April Rose Drew, a year six pupil from Mullion Primary School, were there to read their poems in person, while the other winners, Fred Dear from Germoe School and Tiggy Heaton, from Mullion School, had their entries read on their behalf by the mayor and Francesca Wells, new head girl of Helston Community College.

A collection was taken during the service for the Helston branch of the Royal British Legion Welfare Fund.

The hour-long service ended with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by refreshments in the Andrew Hall.

  • See an 8-page special supplement in this week's Falmouth and Helston editions of the Packet showing how the outbreak of war was covered in the Packet in 1914.