FIRST World War commemorations will centre on a poignant 12-hour vigil in the centre of Oldbury.

A dozen organisations will take part in the event on Monday August 4 at the cenotaph leading up to 11pm – the time when the German ultimatum ran out in 1914.

Each group, ranging from the Scouts Association, to Oldbury Cadet Force, Blackheath and Oldbury Royal British Legion branches, the Army Reservist Attachment and the Sikhs 1914 Association will stand for an hour each from 11am with their standards at the far corners of the memorial.

There will be a parade at 2pm with speeches throughout the afternoon and a local historian and schools will also take part.

Blackheath Royal British Legion secretary Mark Spilsbury said it is hoped a large cross will be set out in the civic square and members of the public will be encouraged to bring legion candles, which will be sold by Marks and Spencer, and place them within the cross after 9pm.