The centenary of the outbreak of the First World War will be marked in colourful and fitting fashion in a Horley church.

For St Bartholomew’s Church in Church Road will be marking the commemorations for the Great War with a community exhibition and flower festival.

The church, which has some unique links with the conflict, is inviting groups, schools and people to take part in the event in July.

Among the links is the fact that Henry Webber, who was churchwarden at St Bart's from 1881 to 1891, was at 67 the oldest man to be killed on the Somme.

A carved screen and memorial tablet in the church records his sacrifice.

In commemoration of him and the hundreds of thousands of his contemporaries who gave their all in the Great War, St Bart's will be holding a First World War Centenary Exhibition and Flower Festival from Friday, July 4, through to Sunday, July 6.

Local organisations, companies and people are being invited to take part by writing articles or poems, exhibiting artwork or artefacts, or providing a floral exhibit.

Horley Team Rector Calvert Prentis, said: “Commemorating World War One is about valuing those who gave their lives for others. “It is amazing to discover the actions of local people over the last century. “We hope that many residents of Horley will attend this community exhibition and flower show and catch a glimpse of the community goodwill that existed so long ago”.

People wishing to take part should contact Rosemary Stone on 01293 782171, or Ann Golding in the Parish Office on 01293 782218, as soon as possible.

Alternatively, people can email: rstone39@talktalk.net