A WIRRAL marine injured on duty in Afghanistan is urging Globe readers to take part in a Lights Out fundraising challenge to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.

Lance Corporal Pete Dunning from Wallasey was on tour with the Royal Marines when he was injured by an explosion in May 2008 and lost both his legs. After months of painful rehabilitation he was fitted with prosthetic legs.

All of the Dunning family are involved in work for The Royal British Legion and have raised thousands of pounds on the Wirral for the Armed Forces.

Between 10pm and 11pm on August 4, the date Britain entered the war 100 years ago, people across the country will be encouraged to illuminate their homes with a single candle or light.

The Royal British Legion will be joining in at its branch in Withens Lane, Wallasey from 10pm till 11pm.

All are welcome to bring their own commemorative candles and join in.

Urging the public to take part in the Lights Out challenge, Pete Dunning, who is an ambassador the charity, said: "I wholeheartedly support this wonderful initiative to commemorate the anniversary of WW1.

"In marking the centenary in this way, funds are raised for those returning now from on going conflicts and I am keen to offer my support to that."

Lights Out takes inspiration from the famous words of wartime Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey, who said on August 3, 1914: "The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our life-time".

Charles Byrne, The Royal British Legion's fundraising director, said: "Sir Edward Grey’s stirring words are the campaign's foundation.

"Our vision is that over one million candles will be lit across the UK, commemorating every Service man and woman who died during World War One."

To support Lights Out and as part of a special partnership with Marks & Spencer, limited edition Centenary candles are available in stores and online, for £4.

Profits will be donated to the Legion to support the charity’s vital work with the current and ex-members of the Armed Forces, and their families.

Robert Swannell, chairman of Marks & Spencer said: "The extraordinary work The Royal British Legion does to support serving and ex-Service men, women and their families is really important to M&S’s employees and customers, and we are very proud to be participating in this national moment of commemoration."