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Hundreds observe the Lights Out event across west Kent

13:00, 05 August 2014

Thousands observed the national Lights Out campaign last night to mark the centenary of the day Britain went to war.

The initiative aimed to get people to keep just one light or candle burning in their homes between 10pm and 11pm last night (Monday) to commemorate the anniversary.

The simple idea was observed by people across Maidstone.

The KM asked for your pictures of the candles you had lit.

Kerry Duncker's candle burning in Maidstone last night
Kerry Duncker's candle burning in Maidstone last night

Among those sent in was this image from Kerry Duncker, who lives in Maidstone, who sent it to us saying: "A single light. Lest we forget."

Louise Lea's picture of her candle during Lights Out
Louise Lea's picture of her candle during Lights Out

Louise Lea also sent one. She had a candle burning on her dressing table.

Sarah Robinson's candle at her home in Barming
Sarah Robinson's candle at her home in Barming

Sarah Robinson in Barming sent hers in, and West Malling resident Simon Brunt lit his below a Union flag.

Simon Brunt's candle in King Street, West Malling
Simon Brunt's candle in King Street, West Malling

Lights Out was part of a national initiative, inspired by a famous remark, made on the eve of the outbreak of war by the then Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Grey, who said: "The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime."

Candles were lit at the drumhead service at Brenchley Gardens in Maidstone around the war memorial.
Candles were lit at the drumhead service at Brenchley Gardens in Maidstone around the war memorial.

Many events, including candlelit vigils, were held last night in the area, and more events are being held throughout this week. On Sunday, the commemorations started off at Brenchley Gardens in Maidstone with a drumhead service followed by a candlelit vigil in St Faith's Church.

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