THIS year is a big year for Ledbury, which is to host the county's Armed Forces Day, the Herefordshire 1916 Centenary Commemoration, on June 25.

This event, in Ledbury town centre from 10am to 2pm, will feature a parade by The Guard and Colours of HMS Ledbury and detachments from the county’s Sea, Army and Air Cadets, accompanied by the West Mercia Fire Service Band and the Royal British Legion County Rally.

Soldiers of yesteryear will be recalled by several living history groups including a working replica WW1 tank. Thousands of spectators are expected to attend.

But already another commemoration is already being planned, for 2017, and local people are being asked to think ahead.

A Herefordshire Council spokesman said: "As part of the ongoing First World War centenary events, 2017 has been designated as the year of the home front."

An event this Saturday, May 7, from 10am to 4pm at the Herefordshire Archive and Records Centre, Fir Tree Lane, Hereford, will set the ball rolling.

The spokesman said: "The Herefordshire First World War Centenary Committee and Herefordshire Council are holding an open day called 'the family at war’ to give people the opportunity to come up with ideas of events and activities that could take place in Herefordshire to commemorate the incredible contribution to the war effort of 'ordinary' people in 1917.

"We invite community groups, schools, uniform clubs and anyone with an interest in commemorating the centenary to join us and help."

The open day will include information about existing projects, resources that are available for communities thinking about developing a home front project or event, and information about funding opportunities to inspire community centenary projects.

Mike Smart, vice chair of the First World War Centenary Committee is keen to ensure as many people from Herefordshire are involved in centenary activity as possible.

He said: “The focus on the home front during 2017 offers something for everyone. This really is our opportunity to recognise what ordinary people did during an extraordinary time in our history”.

Anyone who can’t make it on the day, but would like to find out more or suggest ideas, please visit the First World War Centenary Committees Facebook page: www.facebook.com/FWWCC

Further information can also be found on www.herefordshire.gov.uk/fwwc