Relatives of fallen soldiers from the First World War are being sought to contribute to a time capsule to commemorate its 100th anniversary.

Rottingdean’s Royal British Legion will place the capsule at the side of the war memorial in the village green on August 3 – the date Britain entered the war.

It will be buried using soil from a number of the conflict’s major battlefields before being left for another 100 years – to be opened again in 2114.

Ian Smith, secretary of the Rottingdean branch, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity – these anniversaries don’t come around often. The impact of the war was felt across the country including here in Rottingdean, “This is a great way for us to remember those who fought and also ensure future generations will have an understanding and appreciation of the Great War.”

In particular relatives of the 38 named on the village’s memorial are wanted to contribute to the project.

However nearby schools, youth groups, Cubs, Scouts, Brownies, Rainbows and more have all been contacted.

Mr Smith added: “We want to get as many young people as possible involved, although we may have to limit the number of items at a later date. This is a project for the whole of Rottingdean.”

He added that the brief for youngsters had deliberately been left vague in an attempt to get a varied response.

Among the suggested submissions include a short story, poem, photograph or small memento.

All items will be vacuum packed and preserved as best as possible prior to their burial.

Submissions must be handed in at the Queen Victoria pub, High Street, by July 11.

The capsule is to be buried at the corner of the war memorial.

It will be buried as part of a special remembrance parade in the village on August 3. People will gather at the White Horse Hotel, in Marine Drive, at 11.30am before making their way to the memorial.

There will then be a short service before the capsule is buried.

Mr Smith added: “It is important for us as a village to remember those who served and lost their lives. The parade and the time capsule is a great way of doing just this and I hope as many people as possible get involved.”