An emotional service was held to mark the return of the cross, which was rescued from the rubble in 1916 by a British vicar

'Very precious' crucifix rescued from ruined WW1 church returned to France

Michelle O'Neill and Belfast Lord Mayor Tina Black lay wreath for Somme commemoration. PA

Sinn Fein leader, however, declined to be drawn on why she was not attending the formal commemorative event for the Somme.

SF's O'Neill says Somme wreath-laying shows she is 'first minister for all'

It will be the first time a member of the party's leadership will have laid a laurel wreath on the anniversary of the First World War battle.

Parades are expected across Northern Ireland to commemorate the Battle of the Somme.

Up to 50,000 people are estimated to have visited the Shrouds of the Somme Project that depicts soldiers who fell on the first day.

Archaeologists from the South are leading a project in France to excavate a network of World War One tunnels.