THOUSANDS of tickets for a service to commemorate the start of the First World War will be made available early next month.

The event in George Square, which will be attended by Prince Charles, forms part of the UK Government's programme to mark the 100th anniversary of the conflict.

The services at Glasgow Cathedral and George Square are the first and largest of three national events to be held on August 4. The others are at Mons in Belgium and London's Westminster Abbey.

Commonwealth leaders in the city for the closing ceremony of the Games on August 3 will attend the Glasgow commemoration.

It will involve an invitation- only service for up to 1400 people at Glasgow Cathedral led by Cathedral minister, the Rev Dr Laurence Whitley.

This will be followed by a wreath laying service at the Cenotaph in George Square attended by Prince Charles and the Commonwealth heads of state.

The cathedral service will be shown live in George Square to an audience who have been successful in obtaining a ticket. Only those who have a numbered ticket will be able to gain access to George Square on the day.

Each household is limited to a maximum of four tickets for the ceremony and they will be issued on a first come, first served basis.

Once all 4000 public tickets have been allocated, the lines will close and an automated message will let people know they have not been successful.

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said: "The First World War resulted in more than a million British and Common-wealth servicemen giving their lives.

"It's right we honour and remember the lives of the millions who were affected by the war and that we reflect on the broader significance of that era and the impact it has on our lives today.

"The events at Glasgow Cathedral and George Square will honour those from the Commonwealth and beyond. We will never forget their sacrifice."

Lord Provost Sadie Docherty will lead the land-mark service remembering Britain's role in the war.

She said: "Glasgow feels honoured to play such a major role in Britain and the Commonwealth's commemor-ation of the centenary of the start of the First World War.

"It is important members of the public can attend the event in George Square to witness this important day of remembrance.

"We hope people from near and far and from across the Commonwealth will take up the opportunity to gain one of the 4000 public tickets.

"We also hope it will inspire everyone to investigate and learn about their family's First World War story to ensure we remember these stories for generations to come."

Tickets, which are free, will be available on 0141 287 7999 from 9am on Monday July 7.

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk