BEACONS of hope have been lit at several points across the borough as a part of commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the Armistice.

The lights, intended to symbolise the end of the darkness of war and a return to the lightness of peace, burned brightly at Taylor Park Hill, in Eccleston, at Billinge Hill and in Earlestown.

The event was part of Battle's Over, a national tribute to mark 100 years of remembrance since the end of the First World War.

Across the country more than 1,000 beacons were lit at 7pm.

At Taylor Park, more than 100 people walked from the boathouse by torchlight to the park's hill where music by Valley Brass Band set the scene for a beautiful and uplifting service.

Reverend David Eastwood welcomed the crowds, before former Flight Lieutenant Sue Hughes, of Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service read the poem In Flanders Fields.

The Last Post sounded before the lighting of the Beacon of Hope by the Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Pat Ireland.

Reverend Martin Wood offered a message of hope for future generations in his reading before 17-year-old Cowley Language College sixth-form students Tom Hardie (You'll Never Walk Alone) and Kayleigh Atherton (Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen) delivered solo performances that were befitting the occasion.

Full report to follow