Cross-community service being held in Derry this weekend to mark the 100th anniversary of famous World War 1 battle

A special service will be held in Derry this weekend to mark the 100th anniversary of a famous battle during World War One.

The Battle of Messines took place in Belgium on June 7, 1917.

It marked the first time during World War One that soldiers from the 36th Ulster Division and 16th Irish Division fought side by side.

The battle was an offensive launched by the British Army in a bid to push back German forces.

To remember those who fought and died in the battle, the Derry-based International School of Peace Studies (ISPS) will hold a commemoration service in the city on Sunday, June 11.

A parade will depart from London Street in the city centre at 10.30am and march the short distance to the War Memorial at the Diamond where the service will take place.

A message of support from former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is to be read at the local service by his special advisor Paddy Duffy.

Representatives will lay poppy and laurel wreaths at the Diamond during the event.