SPECIAL services took place across Ryedale to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War.

Churches were open on Monday evening for personal reflection and short services which included the lighting of candles and prayers to remember those who died, were injured or bereaved during the conflict.

At St Peter’s Church, in Norton, the 119 names on the war memorial were remembered and people invited to light a candle in the chapel.

Services were also held at St Michael's Church in Malton and St Mary’s Priory Church, Old Malton, with the tolling of the church bell as each name on the war memorial was read out.

At Pickering Parish Church, the tenor bell tolled the number of those killed in the Great War, recorded on the town’s war memorial.

On the same evening, the gilt lantern on Castle Howard’s dome was illuminated with a single light as part of a joint initiative with Ryedale District Council.

As part of the UK-wide Lights Out initiative, members of the Malton, Norton and District British Legion held a special commemoration at the war memorial in Malton.

Paul Farndale, one of the members, said they wanted to get involved with Lights Out and do something to mark the anniversary.

“I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of people who came along with around 80 people gathering at the war memorial at 10pm," he added.

"A poem was read and those there talked about their families and what had happened to them."

Margaret Preston, the longest serving member of the branch, laid a wreath and candles were extinguished until only one remained.

"The Last Post was then played and the final candle was blown out at 11pm - it was a very moving evening."