Hundreds of people gathered at war memorials across the area last night to take part in symbolic 'lights-out' ceremonies.

People wanting to pay their respects to those who lost their lives in World War One assembled at Epsom Clocktower, the Dog Gate memorial at Bourne Hall, Ewell, the Ashley Road memorial, Horton Cemetery memorial, St Mary's Churchyard, Ewell, All Saints Church, West Ewell, and Christ Church, Epsom Common.

At 11pm, each person held a symbolic candle which was blown out to mark the moment when Britain declared war on Germany 100 years ago.

People and households across the country took part in the Lights Out commemoration, which was inspired by the words of Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey who declared on the eve of the declaration of war in 1914: "The lamps are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime."

Your Local Guardian:

People gather at the Dog Gate memorial at Bourne Hall, Ewell.  Picture: John Caiger

At the war memorial outside Horton Cemetery, 60 people gathered alongside Alan Carlson, ex-mayor of Epsom, and Councillors Sheila Carlson and Dan Stevens, who represent court ward.

Coun Carlson said the turnout was "brilliant" as she had not expected so many people to come to the ceremony at that location. 

Mr Carlson added: "It was a very moving ceremony and people came up to Sheila and me afterwards to say thank you and that they were appalled about the story of the cemetery."

The Carlsons and Coun Stevens helped launched the Epsom Guardian's Dignity for the Dead at Horton Cemetery campaign after human remains surfaced at the abandoned cemetery in 2012.

Your Local Guardian:

People gathered outside Horton Cemetery

Dedicate a tree for £20 to someone lived or served in the First World War. Call 0800 915 1914 or go to www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/mylocalpaper.