A MAN pilgrimage to commemorate those who lost their lives during World War One set off from Southampton.

William Parsons,36 who is the co-founder of the British Pilgrimage Trust started his pilgrimage which will take him from Southampton to London via Dover.

He began his 350 mile trip at the Holybrook cemetery and visited The Cenotaph, Southampton Old Cemetery, The Warrior the War Horse memorial in Southampton City Golf course, the memorial in Swaythling Church, the Ordnance Survey memorial, and the Port Memorial.

William will complete his journey on Armistice day on November 11 at Westminster Abbey.

The excursion will see William visit more than 100 war memorials where he will film 100 recordings of silence.

He will also being placing battlefield soil from Arras, The Somme and Ypres at the memorial sites that he visits.

William told the Daily Echo that he decided to start his journey in Southampton because it was 'the main port of departure for many soldiers who fought in World War One.'

When asked why he wanted to undertake this journey William said: "It is such an important part of our history.

"Everyone in Britain has someone who was affected by the war and two minutes of silence a year does not seem to suffice what they went through."

William told the Echo that he encourages anyone who wants to support his pilgrimage should donate to the SSAFA, the armed forces charity providing welfare and support for those serving in the armed forces, veterans and armed forces families.

He also said: "I encourage people to take their own pilgrimages.

"Walk to the nearest war memorial near you to commemorate our ancestors who lost their lives."