A GROUP dedicated to marking the centenary of the outbreak of World War One will kick off a series of public events next week with a talk from a renowned author and academic.

Marlow Remembers WWI is a group of historians and residents been set up to lead and co-ordinate the commemorations in Marlow.

And it has been given a boost after Marlow Town Council agreed to hand the group £300 towards start up costs to get the project up and running, despite members asking for £950.

Organiser Martin Blunkell said: "We are delighted that the town council have seen fit to show its support in a very useful way.

"It will go a long way to covering our intial start up costs and we hope the public will also show their active support at the talk."

The remembrance group will present its first event on Friday, July 18 at Liston Hall when TV and radio broadcaster and university professor Garry Sheffield appears to examine the challenges facing the British army on the Western Front.

August sees the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of WWI and the moment when Germany declared war on Russia.

Marlow Remembers WWI has plans to produce wealth of local and of international information with details of the Marlow men who gave their lives in the devastating conflict.

Members also aim to chart the lives and community the soldiers left behind at home.

The group’s website www.marlowww1.org.uk will include information on events and commemorations, as well as biographical information uncovered as part of the group’s efforts.