A TOWN has paid tribute to Britain's war dead by creating displays made up of more than 10,000 knitted poppies.

Poignant arrangements have sprung up all over Nunthorpe, near Middlesbrough, ahead of Remembrance Day this weekend.

Four sites were chosen, the war memorial on Stokesley Road, Nunthorpe train station, outside Nunthorpe Methodist Church on Marton Moor Road and a small display at Nunthorpe Oaks nursing home on Guisborough Road.

Locals are calling it 'The Poppy Trail' said Helen McGlynn, one of the founder members of the knitting group.

"We formed a knitting group around three years ago to 'yarn-bomb' Nunthorpe Station as a one-off fun thing to do.

"We all loved the display of poppies at The Tower of London and last year wondered if it would be possible for us to create something similar, albeit on a smaller scale, in Nunthorpe.

"The war memorial was the natural choice so we set about knitting poppies for it."

There are around 40 members of the group, but the knitting of the poppies has also involved friends and family members.

"We also taught our local Brownies to knit and they have been making poppies for us, as well as some residents in The Oaks Nursing home. It really is a whole community effort and that's what makes it so special," said Helen.

"The local newsagent, Paul, at Rookwood News, acts as the drop-off point for poppies for anyone who makes them who can't get along to our groups.

"Last year, we made around 4,000 poppies and this year we estimate we have made 10,000 in total, which is a phenomenal effort. Each poppy might take half-an-hour to make, so it's a huge amount of work."

Helen said the reaction from the public had been overwhelming.

"We have had so many lovely messages on social media about how people love to see them. Every time you pass there are people stopping to take photographs and to take a moment to remember why they are there and what they mean," she said. "We have had schools making visits to see the poppies and people telling us they have detoured to have a look at the poppy trail - it's wonderful to see the impact it has."

  • The Northern Echo will be printing a full list of Remembrance services and parades on Wednesday, November 8. If you want to see your event listed email newmedia@nne.co.uk detailing town, day, time and location.