Residents and businesses are being invited to turn out their lights as part of an event to mark the start of the Great War.

Epping Forest District Council is taking part in the nationwide project between 10pm and 11pm on Monday.

All council buildings will have their lights turned off for one hour and leave a single light or candle burning in one window.

Chairman of the council, Cllr Tony Boyce, is calling for people living and working in the area to back the event.

He said: “This act is a very simple way to mark such a poignant time in the history of the World and I hope the whole country will shared this moment of reflection.

“If we all join in this could be one of the most dramatic UK wide events ever organised.

“I urge everyone to join in with this project and mark the official commemoration of the Centenary of the First World War.”