DETAILS of how Ramsbottom will remember the town’s war dead have been revealed as the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One approaches.

The first commemoration will take place on June 6, marking the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in 1944.

The town will come to a standstill on August 4 to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One, and again on November 9 for Remembrance Day.

The events are being organised by the Ramsbottom Branch of the Royal British Legion, in conjunction with the Ramsbottom War Memorial Project Team.

Research shows that Ramsbottom lost 411 servicemen and women in the World War One, and 64 in World War Two.

The D-Day and World War One events will both start at noon, and people attending will be invited to make their way to the Memorial Gardens on Bridge Street by 11.45am, as there will be no marching band or parade. The Remembrance Day commemorations will take place as usual.

As part of the events, the names of the fallen will be read out, with readers reflecting various elements of society, including scouts, cadets, school children, veterans, senior citizens and voluntary groups, as well as people who are not affiliated to any particular group but would like to take part.

Refreshments will be available in the Royal British Legion Club, in Central Street, after the event. Martin Wiggam, project manager at the Ramsbottom War Memorial Project, said he hoped the commemorations in June and August would attract people of all ages.

He said: “It won’t be as formal as normal, and because it’s not as formal it will hopefully attract more people who want to take part, rather than just spectate.

“I think it will be special this year. A lot of people are talking about the anniversaries.

“It is important that we recognise this historic occasion, and we are hoping that people will want to get involved.”

Mr Wiggam said that he hopes the new memorial wall, which will list all those from Ramsbottom who died in battle, will be in place for November’s commemorations.

The group is still accepting donations towards the project, which is still awaiting final approval to go ahead.

For more details email martinwiggam@talktalk.net or visit ramsbottom memorialwallproject.co.uk