To mark the start of the First World War, Torbay Council is undertaking a number of activities including the provision of funding for local memorials and supporting the Royal British Legion’s “Lights Out” initiative.

Torbay’s Mayor and Leader, Gordon Oliver, said: “As part of our Torbay Remembers commemoration of the First World War, we are making available £5,000 for a fund to support the restoration, renovation and maintenance of war Memorials throughout Torbay. The fund may also be used for adding additional names which are found to be missing from memorials relating to First World War.”

"The First World War, also known as the Great War, began in 1914 and lasted until 1918. We will be commemorating over the next four years with memorials and a number of activities to reflect how grateful we are to those who gave up so much, to enable us to live in the free society we enjoy today.”

The memorial grant fund is being administered by Torbay Council. The grant fund will close on 31 March 2015 or sooner if all the funds have been allocated prior to that date. The closing dates for applications are 30 July 2014 and 31 October 2014.

Applications received by those dates will go to panel sessions held in August 2014 and November 2014. Any application received which is incomplete will not be considered but could be resubmitted for the following grant round (if funds are still available). For more information visit www.torbay.gov.uk/aft/devonremembers

Torbay is also supporting “Lights Out” a Royal British Legion initiative which is encouraging everyone in the UK to turn off their lights between 10pm and 11pm on 4 August 2014 – leaving only a single light or candle for this symbolic act of reflection. It is hoped to light one million candles across the UK to remember each and every one of those Service men and women who gave their lives in the war to end all wars.

A limited edition candle is available from Marks and Spencer for £4, with all profit going to The Royal British Legion. For more information go to www.britishlegion.org.uk/remembrance/ww1-centenary/lights-out