A HUGE knitted poppy memorial, created in honour of fallen war heroes, has been erected in a town centre to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War.

The net was created in 2017 by Team Poppy– a group of volunteers from West Cornforth, Ferryhill, Coxhoe and Bowburn who were supported by people round the world.

They knitted and sewed 19,240 handmade poppies for the memorial, each one representing a British Soldier who was killed on the 1st July 1916 during the Battle of the Somme.

Last year it was displayed on a church in West Cornforth and when it was taken down the community group Ferryhill Remembers became its new custodians.

After weeks of repairing it and creating additional tributes to mark 100 years of Remembrance for those killed or injured in the Great War, Ferryhill Remembers and Ferryhill Town Council have again put it on display– this time draping the front of Ferryhill Town Hall.

Residents are invited to a blessing of the poppy net in the Town Hall Gardens next Monday, at 5pm, which will be followed by light refreshments in St Luke’s Parish and Community Centre.

Clare Metcalfe, a member of Team Poppy, said “Everyone involved in this project feels proud and privileged to have been involved in Team Poppy.

"The project has brought the community together.

"By displaying the poppy net in such a prominent position, on the front of Ferryhill Town Hall, where it will receive lots of attention, it will ensure that residents remember the enormous sacrifice that has been made by our troops."

She said the group appreciated the support of council staff who make the display possible.

Mayor of Ferryhill, Councillor David Farry said: “When Team Poppy approached Ferryhill Town Council everyone agreed that it would be a pleasure and a privilege to display the poppy net on the front of the Town Hall building.

"The very nature of what the net represents is so very significant.

"Team Poppy has created an outstanding and poignant memorial to those British soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country, they should be very proud of what they have achieved.”