THE field of remembrance at Gateshead's Saltwell Park will be the largest ever as the centenary of the end of the First World War is marked.

For the seventh year running the area near Saltwell Towers will be awash with thousands of wooden crosses adorned with poppies as a poignant reminder to lives lost during the Great War.

Gateshead Council said that the field will be bigger than in previous years due to the centenary of the war's end.

A dedication ceremony will take place at Saltwell Park on Saturday  November 3 at 10.45am attended by the mayor of Gateshead together with other civic heads from the North-East and representatives of the Armed Forces.

The field will remain open for two weeks after the ceremony for anyone else wishing to plant a cross.

Crosses will be available for a small donation in various venues around Gateshead including the Civic Centre, the café in Saltwell Towers and a Royal British Legion stall in Saltwell Park from October 26.