A KNITTED memorial made by volunteers as a tribute to thousands of fallen heroes of World War One has been unfurled once more.

A net containing almost 20,000 handcrafted poppies was displayed outside a church hall in West Cornforth, County Durham, last autumn.

Villagers, along with residents from Ferryhill, Coxhoe and Bowburn led the Team Poppy project with support from crafters around the world.

After the 2017 Remembrance period, the town of Ferryhill became custodian of the net.

This week Team Poppy took it out of storage and began repairs so it is pristine when it goes back on display, at Ferryhill Town Hall later this year.

Carole Atkinson, from the project, said: "We feel very proud to have been part of the project and privileged to be taking care of it now.

"We're really pleased it will go on the town hall, in the centre of Ferryhill where it will get lots of attention.

"It was in remarkably good condition after hanging outside for six weeks but we want it secure and looking its best to again pay tribute to the thousands that died in the war."

Last year the nets held 19,240 poppies representing each British soldier killed on July 1, 1916 in first day of the Battle of the Somme.

But more than 23,000 were made and people are still knitting and crocheting so the group will use them for repairs and other displays marking the centenary of the end of the First World War. Other projects include a WWI book of commemoration, soldier statues and planters.

Volunteer Clare Metcalfe said: "It is important for the communities to come together and for kids to get involved to think about the sacrifices made."

Residents can help at Mainsforth Community Centre, High Street, Ferryhill, on Saturday and Sunday, 12.30pm to 4.30pm.