FILMMAKER Danny Boyle has announced his plans to mark the centenary of Armistice Day - asking people to gather on beaches across the UK.

On November 11, the public is invited to assemble at one of a number of beaches at low-tide to take part in a series of community-led events.

Sunderland Culture will be leading events at Roker Beach on Sunday, November 11.

A large-scale portrait of a casualty from the First World War, designed by sand artists Sand In Your Eye, will be drawn into the sand in many locations and washed away as the tide comes in.

The public will also be asked to create silhouettes of people in the sand, remembering the millions of lives lost or changed forever by the conflict.

Boyle said: "Beaches are truly public spaces, where nobody rules other than the tide. They seem the perfect place to gather and say a final goodbye and thank you to those whose lives were taken or forever changed by the First World War.

"I'm inviting people to watch as the faces of the fallen are etched in the sand, and for communities to come together to remember the sacrifices that were made."

Keith Merrin, Chief Executive of Sunderland Culture, said: “We’re delighted Sunderland has been chosen to play a key role in such an important event to commemorate the centenary of the ending of the First World War.

"Sunderland is known throughout the country for its Remembrance Sunday service – the biggest outside of London – so I’m sure the city will support Pages of the Sea which will be a moving and memorable tribute to those who laid down their lives in what was meant to be the War to End All Wars.

"We’ll be unveiling more details of the event and how people can get involved in the project over the coming days and weeks.”