WW1 Centenary: remembering the bell ringers of the Great War

The First World War was one of the deadliest conflicts in history, killing more than 16 million people.

In November 1918, after four long years, the Armistice was signed and the guns fell silent.

In a series of special reports, we'll be marking the centenary of the war.

This weekend church and military bells across the South will chime in unison, 100 years on from the end of the Great War.

It's part of a project honouring the 1,400 bellringers who died in the war.

The hope is that the same number of new bell ringers can be found to keep the practice alive in churches across the country.

• Watch Derek Johnson's report below

• Interviewees:Chris Cockel, Eustace's Great Grandnephew, David Mattingley, Vice Ringing Master, Portsmouth Cathedral

As the war progressed huge numbers of wounded soldiers were transferred back home to receive treatment in the many temporary hospitals that sprang up around the South East.

They were often staffed by volunteers and produced people of extraordinary skill and fortitude.

Fiona Spencer's Great Great Aunt was one of those people.

• Interviewee: Fiona Spencer, Great Great Niece