MORE than a thousand people visited a park in Pitsea to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.

The Green Centre, Wat Tyler Park celebrated the soldiers that gave their lives in the war in an exhibition which the Forget Never team spent four years putting together.

The exhibition displayed the work of the team, schools and community groups as well as efforts by Basildon’s twin towns of Heiligenhaus, Germany and Meaux in France.

Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, attended the event as project patron.

Mr Metcalfe was very proud of the work that had been put together entirely by people and groups in the community who gave their own time to the event.

He said: “This was an absolutely fantastic exhibition.

“There has been an enormous amount of work and effort put into this.

“I am very glad to see such a large number of visitors who have turned up to take part.

“It is important to remember the events of 100 years ago so that we don’t repeat the mistakes made back then.

“I am so impressed with the Forget Never team and their commitment to this project who are all volunteers. Thanks also to Heritage Lottery for their grant and to the community and Basildon’s twin towns for taking part.”