A SERVICE to mark the 93rd anniversary of the Battle of the Somme was held yesterday at Blackburn Cathedral.

Members of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, including the band, paid their respects to those who died during the battle, which started on July 1, 1916.

Out of 700 officers and soldiers from the regiment sent into battle on that day, only 237 survived. The East Lancashire Regiment suffered more casualties than on any other day in its history.

Among hymns sung yesterday were Praise My Soul, Gloria in Excelsis and Jerusalem.

The service closed with the national anthem.