PEOPLE are being asked to get involved with filmmaker Danny Boyle’s national event to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.

The acclaimed director is producing a commission, which will see the creation of a large-scale portrait of a casualty of the conflict, designed by sand artists at Roker Beach, Sunderland.

The beach is one of a handful across the UK which will be involved in the Pages of the Sea commission, which is also see the public creating silhouettes of people in the sand as they remembers the lives lost and changed by the war.

Helen Green, producer of the Sunderland Pages of the Sea event, said: “We’re delighted the city is to play a major role in such an important national occasion. It’s an event that people can get involved with as well as going to Roker Beach on November 11 to see the tide wash away our images.”

“Firstly we are looking for a small selection of people with either practical skills to help construct a large-scale grid on the sand or more artistic skills to assist in drawing the portrait. The grids will be used to help create the main portrait.

“Secondly, we’re also on the look-out for volunteers to help run the event, helping guide people to the site, answering any of the public’s questions and generally helping out. We had a fantastic army of volunteers who helped make the visit of the Tall Ships such a memorable few days and we hope that some of those brilliant people might put their names forward.”

Anyone interested in being involved should email info@sunderlandculture.org.uk