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The Battle of the Somme: Â鶹ԼÅÄ NI marks centenary with special coverage

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British troops climbing from their trench on the first day of the SommeImage source, Morgan-Wells/Getty Images
Image caption,

British troops climbing from their trench on the first day of the Somme

With the centenary of the Battle of the Somme just over a week away, Â鶹ԼÅÄ News NI will be bringing you extensive coverage of an event which shaped British, Irish, European and world history.

Our news website will publish a series of special reports at .

We'll look at the effects of the battle on Ireland, recounting some of the stories of those who fought and the experiences of their loved ones waiting for news from the front.

You can read , what the ramifications were for Unionism, and .

Image source, Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Image caption,

Most of the British troops at the Battle of the Somme had not seen much action and were in good spirits as they were moved to the front line

As well as reflecting the commemorations both at home and at Thievpal in France, Â鶹ԼÅÄ News NI will also have a special live page detailing the first day of the battle as it happened 100 years ago on 1 July from 06:00 BST.

The events at the Somme will also be covered across on Thursday and Friday of next week.

Image source, Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Image caption,

Troops prepare for the charge over the top on 1 July 1916 at the Battle of the Somme

Â鶹ԼÅÄ NI's Tara Mills and Seamus McKee will present a Â鶹ԼÅÄ Newsline special, live from Thiepval, on 1 July.

It will cover a commemorative service at the Ulster Tower and other events at Thievpal throughout the day.

Image source, Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Image caption,

Soldiers advance towards Thiepval at the Battle of the Somme

Good Morning Ulster presenter Noel Thompson will broadcast live from Thiepval, while Elaine McGee will present from Helen's Tower in Bangor, County Down.

William Crawley will present a specially extended Talkback to cover the commemorative service at the Ulster Tower and Evening Extra will have an extensive round-up of the day's events.

Image source, Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Image caption,

A British soldier looks out over the front line from a trench