Sevenoaks District Council will join millions of organisations, businesses and residents when the country will be plunged into darkness to commemorate when Britain entered the First World War 100 years ago.

The floodlights on town halls, bridges, churches, theatres and cinemas will be switched off with iconic buildings including the Houses of Parliament also taking part.

The Council will ensure all lights are turned off in the building apart from a single light which will be visible to the public.

Each organisation, business and family taking part are being encouraged to leave on a single light or candle burning to create a shared moment of reflection.

Sevenoaks District Council chairman Jill Davison, said: “This is a national event to reflect and remember those who gave up their lives in the face of war and I’m pleased we are doing our bit to take part.”

The event will take place on Monday, August 4 between 10pm and 11pm and will coincide with a candlelit service in Westminster Abbey.

The event is inspired by foreign secretary Sir Edward Grey who had just returned from telling parliament that the 1914 war was inevitable.

He was talking in his office with his friend John Spender, the editor of the Westminster Gazette and said: "The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime."

Sir Edward Grey was already losing his sight and in later years went virtually blind.

His words became famous following publication of his memoirs.