Marking 100 years of town's war memorial

Artist Ruth Lear was commissioned to create a silk painting to illustrate the Nicholson Memorial

A series of events have been planned to mark the 100th anniversary of a town's war memorial.

The Nicholson Memorial in Leek, Staffordshire, was unveiled in 1925 to commemorate all of those from the town who died in World War One.

It was funded by silk manufacturer Sir Arthur Nicholson, whose youngest son Basil fought in World War One and died after being shot by a German sniper in July 1915.

Derek Hilyer, chair of the war memorial committee and Leek's town mayor, said it had been a "great pleasure" to see people come up with ideas to celebrate the building.

The Nicholson War Memorial, which was inaugurated in1925, is being illuminated at night as part of the commemorations, and there are also banners decorating it.

There will be a parade and service on Saturday, to re-dedicate the building and offer a commitment to peace.

It coincides with an exhibition with specially-commissioned artwork, photographs and memorabilia connected with the memorial.

The Nicholson War Memorial in the centre of Leek is one of the most prominent buildings in the town

"The building has been central to us for all these years, and so we're proud to commemorate it," Hilyer said.

"We've made sure that this event is not only memorable, but also leaves a legacy of art and artefacts for the future."

He added: "It was immediately obvious that this was a way both of bringing the town together and also remembering the people we've lost."

About 6,000 knitted poppies have also been created as part of the events to commemorate the centenary, Hilyer said.

"That's a sign of how important the building is to the people of the town."

He said he hoped to look back on the commemorations as a major achievement of his period as mayor.