Pipers in Dumbarton are being invited to take part in a unique event to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.

At 6am on November 11 - exactly 100 years since the armistice between the Allies and Germany - pipers around the world will play "The Battle's O'er" in a poignant tribute to mark the historic anniversary.

It will mark the start of the centenary commemorations around the country which will also include church services, beacons of light being lit, cathedral and church bells being rung and town criers throughout the UK and other countries around joining together in an International Cry for Peace.

As the day draws to an end, buglers will play "The Last Post".

Now one of the organisers, Stuart Letford, editor of the Piping Times based at the National Piping Centre in Glasgow, has called on pipers in Dumbarton to register to participate for the once in a lifetime tribute.

Stuart told the Reporter: "There are many good pipers in Dumbarton and we hope many of them will take part.

"We have pipers old and young taking part around the country - and in many locations around the world - as well as pipe bands.

"By doing this at 6am we kick start the day's commemorations appropriately."

The tune being played - composed by Pipe Major William Robb, 1863-1909 (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) - is a popular retreat march called 'When the Battle is Over', commonly known to pipers as simply 'The Battle’s O’er.'

Plans to publicise the event gained momentum when Stuart, accompanied the Queen's Pageantmaster, Bruno Peek addressed the Society of Editors at its annual conference in Cambridge. Now they hope the publicity will give the commemoration a major boost.

Stuart said: "We have produced an official guide which includes all the relevant info plus the names of the pipers who have registered with us to participate - way over 1,000 at the last count - but so far we have none from Dumbarton.

"We are hoping for a final 'push' because in order to have their names in the final guide we need to have them registered by October 24, which is not too far away now."

Stuart said pipers taking part could play at a location of their own choice, at a war memorial or simply outside their front door.

At 6am on November 11 1918, the Armistice of Compiègne was signed between the Allies and Germany and it marked the end of the fighting on the Western Front and ultimately the end of the Great War.

To register, send a email with your name, address, phone number and details of where you intend to play to: battlesoer@collegeofpiping.org