A series of touching tributes were paid to mark one hundred years since the outbreak of the First World War. 

Waltham Forest Council held the commemorative event at the Town Hall in Forest Road, Walthamstow, from 8.30pm to 10pm. 

The free event was attended by more than a thousand residents and dignataries from across the borough, including senior members of Walthamstow's branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) and Major Jeremy Fern, Deputy Lieutenant for Waltham Forest.

Bagpipe players and drummers from the Caledonian Stow Pipe Band marched around the town hall fountain and First World War war poems depicting heroism and loss were read at Walthamstow Assembly Hall. 

The union jack was raised prior to the service inside the assembly hall and lowered before the council lit a beacon and prepared to switch off lights at the town hall, apart from one above the clock. 

There were performance by Forest Choir, Warrant Officer Choir and local artists, including vocalist and pianist Amy Young. 

Council leader Chris Robbins said: "Tonight’s event will be an opportunity to remember those who lived fought and died in the First World War.

"We will remember the contributions of citizens across the world, at home and abroad, during one of the darkest periods in European history."