A PRAYER vigil will take place at York Minster following a service of commemoration to mark the outbreak of the First World War.

Prayers, readings, poems and music will all form part of the service of commemoration at the cathedral tomorrow evening (Monday, August 4).

Candles in the Minster nave will gradually be extinguished as a service led by Canon Pastor Michael Smith progresses from 8pm. The final two candles will then be taken from the nave altar and carried to St John’s Chapel – one of three war-memorial chapels within the Minster. It is the chapel of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.

From 9pm the congregation and members of the public will be invited into the chapel for a prayer vigil until 11pm, the exact hour at which war was declared 100 years ago. The final two candles will be extinguished at that moment.

Canon Smith said: “The service and vigil of prayer will provide a space for solemn reflection and remembrance of the suffering, sacrifice and courage of those caught up in those terrible events.”