PUPILS and staff inspired by the Tower of London’s dramatic poppy tribute have created their own version to mark the centenary of the First World War.

Stokesley Community Primary School have created their own garden of clay poppies after being inspired by the sea of ceramic flowers which spilled over London landmark recently.

Every class in the North Yorkshire school had looked at the impact of the First World War and created their own writing and display on the theme of poppies.

But once Remembrance Day was over, they decided they wanted to create their own lasting tribute to help them remember the war in the coming years.

The garden was opened last week (Wednesday, December 17) by representatives of the Royal British Legion, who travelled to the school for a special opening ceremony.

Headteacher Scott McFarlane said the project on the 100th anniversary of the First World War has had a “greater effect” on the school community than they had predicted.

“It has been a theme that brought the whole school and the wider community together,” he said.

“It seemed to be a shame to then forget this impact once Remembrance Day itself was over.

“Pupils and staff wanted something to be in place that would sustain our thoughts and collective remembrance. So, inspired by the images from the Tower of London, pupils created our own smaller, but heartfelt memorial.

“It will hopefully make the 101st, 102nd anniversaries and beyond as poignant and important as this years.”