A CHARITY day commemorating the outbreak of World War One has been held in North-East.

Despite driving rain, it was held in Middle Street, Consett, on Sunday, and organised by I Support A Hero, which is based in the town.

It was attended by guardsmen and a piper from the 1st Battalion Scots Guard and the Consett branch of the Royal British Legion, which organised a military pipe band.

Consett YMCA donated its climbing wall and helped with the organisation, Beamish Museum put on a display of wartime artefacts and Castleside Local History Group showed a display of old photographs from the area.

A display of work by children from North Durham Academy at Stanley and St Bede’s in Lanchester was shown in a bus and there was face painting throughout the day.

A heavy downpour at around lunchtime forced people indoors and The Club That Rocks opened its doors to let people shelter from the elements.

Iraq veteran Helen Hall, who launched the charity with her father, Shaun Bailey, said: “We just had to move location. They saved the days for us and deserve a medal.

“We had a fantastic time. I was devastated about the weather but that can’t be helped.

“The main thing was that we were able mark the beginning of Britain’s contribution to World War One.

“A lot of people paid the ultimate price. Its 100 years and it’s important that it is recognised.”