A MURAL of over 180 hand-painted poppies has been unveiled as part of the centenary celebrations of the end of the First World War.

Veterans gathered with their friends and family at Age UK Headquarters, in Darlington, to watch the commemorative piece be officially revealed.

In the build-up to Armistice Day this Sunday, staff, volunteers, veterans, customers and people who have visited the building were invited to paint their own poppy onto a wall where veterans gather at the centre.

The flowers were added to create an image of a First World War soldier standing in a field of poppies.

Organising the event was Vicki Conroy, Business Support Official for Age UK.

She said: “Bringing everybody together was the whole idea behind the project. To get everybody involved was at the heart of it. The event is all about participation, and collective commemoration."

The Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Veronica Copeland, was invited to unveil the mural with Age UK's new Chief Executive, Simon Davidson and a flag-bearer from the Royal British Legion.

She expressed her gratitude for the number of memorial events she was invited to over the course of the week and was presented with her own hand-made crocheted poppy by Mr Davidson.

She added: “I feel really honoured to have been invited to unveil the mural. I think it’s such a special year.

"I’m amazed that people of all ages are really remembering, stopping and giving a few minutes to think about those who went to war and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms, and I’ve heard that said so many times this past week.

“I’ve been into the schools and the children have done some really wonderful work. The older people are worried that people would forget but I don’t think the children will forget. It is truly wonderful.”

Mr Davidson said: “We're proud to undertake this event to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War. We will certainly make sure that nobody forgets the sacrifice made by so many millions of people.

"Hopefully the spirit of people who lost their lives and their families can continue to be marked and remembered for many years to come, and supporting veterans will always be a priority for us.”