A SERIES of events are being held in Reading to commemorate the centenary of the first world war.

Remembrance ceremonies will be taking place on Sunday, November 11, paying tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The main event will start in the town centre from 9.25am, with a service at Reading Minster, followed by a march through the streets.

The parade will be led by the Waterloo Band and Bugles of the 7 Rifles, finishing at Forbury Gardens, where a ceremony will be held at the Forbury War Memorial.

Guests have the opportunity to lay wreaths and there will then be a two-minute silence, commencing at 11am.

Councillor Debs Edwards, the Mayor of Reading, said: “It will be an honour to lead the two-minute silence at the Forbury War Memorial and I would encourage as many people as possible to join me.

"This ceremony is an opportunity for everyone to come together to remember those who paid the ultimate price in defence of our country and is particularly poignant this year, with 2018 marking 100 years since the end of WWI.

“We must remember the brave men and women of our armed forces and pay tribute their courage and fortitude and the sacrifice they paid to protect our communities.

"We must never allow this occasion to be forgotten.”

As well as the event in the town centre, there will also be services in Caversham at the War Memorial in Christchurch Meadows at 10.45am and at the Tilehurst War Memorial just before 11am.

Jelly Arts will be parading after the civic procession from Reading Minster, with 100 large poppies made by schoolchildren.

There is a free workshop run by Jelly at Reading Minster on Saturday, November 3, from 11.30am-1.30pm, for children to make a poppy from recycled materials for the parade.

The Tilehurst branch of the Royal British Legion is encouraging the community to help them ‘Turn Tilehurst Red’ to mark the centenary of the end of WWI.

Children have already been busy making decorations, flags, banners and knitted designs to tie in with this theme.