A concert will take place in Maryport to mark 100 years since the first day of the Battle of the Somme in World War One.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend the event at St Mary's Church on Church Street which will take place on Saturday, July 2.

The concert will commemorate people from Allerdale who lost their lives in the war.

Representatives from parishes, churches and town councils across Allerdale, town mayors, the House of Commons, the House of Lords, the air cadets, the army cadets and the sea cadets are all due to attend.

Workington MP Sue Hayman and leader of Allerdale council Alan Smith are also set to be there.

The concert ties in with the release of a new book by Kirkbride author David King called The Pity of War.

Pupils from Netherhall School will read extracts from the book and the musical performers include Antony McGuckin, the Flimby Male Voice Choir and the Flimby Sax Horn Band. 

Mr King, who is organising the event and will be the MC, said: "We're hoping to have 400 to 500 people there on the night. 

"It's going to be quite an undertaking, but we're getting there.

"We're very excited because one of the things about it is the amount of involvement the young people will be having. 

"I know it's 100 years ago, but if these men hadn't gone out and fallen there would be no free speech in this country."

The concert starts at 7pm and is free to attend, but donations can be made.