A SEA of thousands of knitted poppies have been draped from a church in Worcestershire ahead of Remembrance Day.
More than 200 volunteers spent months hand stitching the 6,000 strong poppies which now adorn the side of St Peter’s Church in Inkberrow.
It was unveiled at the weekend to commemorate British and Commonwealth soldiers who died in the First World War.
Organisers had aimed to complete 4,000 poppies before November 11 but smashed that target by 2,000.
People aged from six to 92 knitted and crocheted the red poppies during events held in the village pub and at weekends.
A total of 34 men from the village lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars.
Stunning images shows the thousands of blood-red poppies pouring down the 50ft tower of the 15th century church.
Sheila Williams, member of the village’s Women’s Institute, said: "My grandfather died in the First World War, so to me it's special. I do it for him at the back of my mind.
"But it's brought us all together as a group.
"It's just been a wonderful community spirit of everybody getting together.
"The end result, it's been very poignant to see the poppies being lifted on brought
tears to your eyes.”
Organisers Tina Hill and Melanie Hart came up with the idea for the project while enjoying a drink in their local.
Tina said: "Melanie and I strangely enough contacted the vicar on the same day in December, following Remembrance Sunday last year, wanting to make a poppy
cascade for Inkberrow church.
"The ladies from Inkberrow, from the WI, from different groups, have all joined us along the way and we've had mornings, evenings making poppies, having chats,
having fun.
"We had some visitors on a pilgrimage come to Inkberrow church and they stayed and sewed on poppies.
"We've loved every minute it’s been amazing, better than Melanie and I ever expected."
It is the first time Inkberrow has made a cascade of poppies and it is hoped this will become an annual display.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here