CRAFTERS from a village have unveiled a unique tribute to their local war heroes.

More than 4,000 knitted and crocheted poppies make up the 20-feet structure in Castleside, near Consett, where the project has brought together the community over the last year.

After local artist Heather Griffiths put the idea to parish councillors 14 months ago, the needles came out, patterns were shared, and word spread.

Some poppies were sent in by former village residents from as far afield as Perth, Western Australia.

Healeyfield Parish Councillor Judith Robson said the response to the project has been over-whelming.

Cllr Robson said: “It’s been fantastic. We’ve had poppies made by some of the oldest people in the village to one lady who had only moved here the week before. Even the youngest members of our community have contributed. Every pupil from the village school has attached a poppy, as have ever cub and scout from 1st Castleside Scout Group.”

On Sunday there will be a Procession of Remembrance from the church at 2.40 pm with a village act of remembrance at the war memorial at 3pm, and a church service at 4pm.