ON August 4, 1914, one of the most horrific wars of all time started. In one way or another, the First World War affected every community across Britain.

Here in Penarth over 300 men lost their lives, many were injured and countless families were devastated by the death or injury of a close relative.

Organisations across the town are organising different events to recall the sacrifices made by so many.

Some are very personal, others are bringing to mind specific aspects of the war, but the Service of Commemoration on Sunday, August 3, at St Augustine's Church is an event at which the whole community can come together for a joint act of remembrance.

The Service starts at 10.30am and will be attended by the Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Dr Peter Beck, Stephen Doughty MP, the mayors of Penarth and the Vale of Glamorgan, and representatives of the Armed Forces, the Police and many local voluntary organisations.

Most importantly, also present will be relatives and friends of those named on the recently restored Roll of Honour which is situated in St Augustine's and lists 207 men who died from Penarth in the First World War.

The service will be led by Canon Roger Williams and the address given by the Archbishop of Wales, the Most Rev Barry Morgan.

Richard James, Chairman of the local branch of the British Legion, has been involved in the preparation for the service and a Legion member will carry the standard and another play the Last Post.

During the service the Roll of Honour will be re-dedicated. The Roll has been restored and enough money raised to ensure that the history of the Roll and those named on it will be recorded for perpetuity.

The Friends of St Augustine's, who organised the restoration, received grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the War Memorial Trust. Generous donations and fundraising events also added to the fund.

The Service of Commemoration has been organised jointly by the Parish, the Royal British Legion and the Friends of St Augustine's.

All those involved very much hope that anyone wanting to pay their respects to those who died, and those who were injured, will come and join them on August 3, 10.30am at St Augustine's.