A FIRST World War concert marked the opening of a special commemoration of the conflict that started 100 years ago.

Music and poetry from the time were performed at the event at St Michael’s Church in Tenbury.

It also marked the opening of an exhibition that will be open until Remembrance Day in November.

The church has been transformed into a recreation of a battle ground from the Great War and also tells the story of the part played by the people and animals of Tenbury and the Teme Valley.

School visits have been arranged and it is expected that people will come to the church from all over the West Midlands to see the displays that have been worked upon for many months.

There are special exhibits in memory of the 21 men from the area who lost their lives fighting in the war between 1914 and 1918. A replica ‘war horse’ also commemorates the contribution of horses from the area that were requisitioned.