A CONTINGENT of dignitaries from Ulverston will be travelling to France this week to remember those who fought and died on the battlefields of the First World War.

Members of Ulverston Town Council's twinning committee will travel to Albert, the town's twin, to join hundreds of others to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme on Friday.

Albert was one of the key locations in what was one of the bloodiest battles in human history between the French and British armies and the invading Germans.

Ulverston connections

Councillor Mark Wilson, Ulverston mayor, will be among those attending a series of poignant remembrance events and said he was looking forward to pay his respects.

He said: "This is a big, big deal.

"It's rather apt as my grandfather served through the First World War and my mum and dad were busy fighting in the Second World War.

"This is a personal connection with two world wars that took place in that area.

"Everything has got better and better since then and it is important to be a part of [the services].

"We will go to remember and take part in the Act of Recognition for the lads who died from Ulverston."

Important remembrance

Albert is hosting 'Three Days For Peace' from July 1 to 3, with the packed program including parades, concerts, choirs and remembrance illuminations.

Residents of the northern French town will wear white clothes during the three days in reflection of the one million men who were killed and wounded in the battle.

Albert is twinned with Ulverston as well as the German towns of Aldenhoven and Niesky.

It was also "adopted" by Birmingham in 1920, with residents sending aide such as clothes and medicine and supporting the huge rebuild project.

Three Days For Peace schedule

Friday July 1

7pm - Patriotic parade with 100 bagpipe players.

9pm - Remembrance concert with Barbara Hendricks at Notre Dame de Brebieres Basilica in Albert. The concert will be transmitted on a giant screen in the Jardin Public of Albert.

9pm to midnight - Exceptional opening of the Museum Somme.

Midnight - Remembrance illumination, with every person in the procession lighting a flame.

Saturday July 2

9am to 11pm - Albert Back to 1916 concert.

9pm - Concert of the Teenagers Choir of Birmingham Philharmonic orchestra in Notre Dame de Brebieres Basilica.

Sunday July 3

11pm - Cross religious celebration at Notre Dame de Brebieres Basilica.