Hundreds of people in West Craven marked the centenary of the start of First World War on Monday.
More than 100 people attended the service at St Mary-le-Ghyll Church at noon which was held outside owing to the good weather.
Half muffled church bells rang out at 10am, noon and 3pm while alongside the service, there were small exhibitions of war militaria and one dedicated to the HMHS Rohilla tragedy in 1914 in which 12 Barlickers died, both of which attracted a stream of people throughout the afternoon.
Church members and non-regulars joined together in remembering the sacrifices made by so many and those in attendance were given a Bag of Hope containing a replica of John’s Gospel, organised by Hope Barlick.
Forty-three million new testaments and gospels were handed out to corps, troops and civilians in the First World War.
The Rev. Diane Weaver, who led the service, said: “It was a wonderful day. It was incredibly moving as what the bell ringers had done with the bells gave a very different tone to when they ring normally.
“The sound set the tone for the service. It was very sombre and reflective and I’m so glad we did it.
“Someone had come all the way from Southport just for the Rohilla because of a family connection. There’s still the grief there, but also pride.”
Meanwhile, All Saints’ Church in Earby and St Mary’s Church in Kelbrook enjoyed constant flows of people visiting church throughout the day to sit quietly or light a candle.
The Rev. Hugh Fielden then led a special candlelit service in Earby at 7-30pm, attended by approximately 50 people.
He said: “It was fantastic, really lovely. The church had been dressed beautifully and Vera Cocker has been making crosses with stories of each of the 169 from Earby who died.
These were at the back of church. These are real people, real stories and it was incredibly poignant.”
