THE centenary of the outbreak of the First Wold War was commemorated at a Cradley church with a brass band concert.

Halesowen Brass Band performed at the Two Gates Ragged School Church which was decked out with flags and poppies for the occasion.

Some members also dressed in period costume, representing nurses, land army girls and suffragettes.

A memorial bench was also donated by the family of Annie Turner, who was a lifelong member of Two Gates until her death earlier this year at the age of 104.

Church member Jill Guest said Annie was born in a cottage which used to stand next door to the chapel.

“When the ground was being dug out for the slabs the bench stands on the old footings of the cottage were discovered making it a very fitting place for the bench,” said Mrs Guest, adding: “It was a very successful concert, which finished with Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory and much flag waving.”