THE Ferryhill and Chilton communities are rallying round to contribute to the First World War centenary commemorations.

A group of volunteers in Ferryhill are hoping to turn the town red as part of the national Ribbon of Poppies initiative. As the project aims to cover the UK in a ‘carpet of crimson’ to remember all those who served in the Great War, Ferryhill Ribbon of Poppies group is calling on residents to get involved by simply planting poppy seeds in their gardens.

They are also asking shops and businesses to play a special part and create a unique Ribbon of Poppies display in their shop windows.

The Poppy Window Decal Sticker has been specially designed by Simply Stripes Signmakers and costs £15

Any shops or business considering taking part should contact FerryDec on 01740-651089 by Thursday, June 7.

In the meantime primary schools in Ferryhill and Chilton are preparing for the WW1 Festival of Food at Ferryhill Village Methodist Chapel from 11am until 1pm on Saturday, June 23.

Pupils will create a 1914 -1918 exhibition for the event, to be opened by Bugle Major Gary Suggett, and are organising a commemoration book to capture some local social social history.

Community groups, craft groups and families who would like to contribute to the exhibition should email glenys@approachtoo.uk