A Finchley man who became the first British casualty of the Great War will be remembered in a musical tribute today.

Private John Parr, who lived in Lodge Lane, North Finchley, was killed in the opening minutes of the first battle of the war at Mons in Belgium in August 1914.

Actress and writer Lynn Radnedge, of Cyprus Avenue, Finchley, has created a musical tribute in his honour, called When the Poppies Bloom Again.

The show will be performed at St Mary-at-Finchley’s church hall, in Hendon Lane at 1pm today, and will include a host of local references interspersed with poems and first hand anecdotes of life both sides of the Channel  during the four year conflict.

Pianist Gary Williams will accompany Ms Radnedge and perform some of the songs.