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Day of remembrance for Battle of the Somme centenary

Thousands of soldiers who died in the Battle of the Somme were honoured today in tributes to those who were killed in the historic battle, which began 100 years ago on July 1, 1916.

Events have been taking place in the UK and France to mark the centenary.

It follows a sombre evening of vigils commemorating the fallen including a remembrance service at Westminster Abbey led by the Queen.

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Somme memorial services underway in France

The Battle of the Somme memorial service began at Lochnagar Crater, France. Credit: PA

Services are underway in Lochnegar to commemorate the battle of the Somme which began 100 years ago.

The area is well-known for a 300ft crater formed by an allied explosion during the battle.

Allied soldiers detonated a huge bomb underneath the German trenches in Lochnagar. Credit: Pool

Lochnagar Crater is now a peace memorial dedicated to "fellowship and reconciliation" between all nations who fought on the Western Front.

Pastor John Pressdee said: "Help us remember our common humanity, and as we celebrate the young lives who died in the pursuit of peace, help us to apply the lessons and to learn the lessons of history so that we would never have to travel that road again."

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